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The 

Support of Schools in Colonial New 

York by the Society for the 

Propagation of the Gospel 

in Foreign Parts 



By 
WILLIAM WEBB KEMP, Ph.D. 

PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA; SOMETIME FELLOW IN 
EDUCATION, TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 



TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 
CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATION, No. 56 



PUBLISHED BY 

SteacljprH fflnllrgp, Columbia HuintiraUg 

NEW YORK CITY 

1913 



Monograph 



A, 



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THE SOCIETY'S SEAL 




"The Society for Propagating the Gospel is the brightest 
light shining in the candlestick of the Eeformation." 

(Hon. Rufus King, quoted by Bolton.) 



Copyright, 1913 
By William Webb Kemp 

MAR -3 \m 



x p & 

d>CI.A36925'9 



PREFACE 

This monograph represents primarily an attempt to describe 
the work of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in 
Foreign Parts, in behalf of elementary instruction in the province 
of New York. The writer has included, however, such evidences 
of secondary instruction by the Society's agents as have been 
found among the available records; and the evidences of other 
schools in the province, as these were from time to time reported 
by the S. P. G. schoolmasters. The Negro school carried on by 
the Bray Associates in New York City has been included also 
because of the very close alliance between their activity and 
that of the Society. 

The sources for the study have been found almost entirely in 
various London archives. This material, the writer feels, has 
been exhaustively reviewed. American sources, for the most 
part, refer back to the London records, but both these and other 
available local sources have been examined. 

Attention should be called to certain peculiarities in the page 
references to some of the volumes of the S. P. G. manuscripts. 
This is because the paging is irregular. For instance, "S. P. G. 
Journal, I, p. (10)" indicates the second part of that volume. 
Again, "Letter-book A, 9, 7 fol. 97" is so written because the 
volume is divided into fifteen sections, the New York part be- 
ginning at fol. 97. The above reference would indicate the 
seventh letter in the New York section. 

In the preparation of material the writer hereby acknowledges 
the generosity of the following: His Grace, the Archbishop of 
Canterbury, and His Lordship, the Bishop of London, for the 
privilege of research among the archives of Lambeth and Fulham 
Palaces; C. F. Pascoe, Esq., Keeper of the Records and Secre- 
tary of the S. P. G., for his many courtesies and cordial encour- 
agement; the secretaries in charge of the records of the S. P. C. K. ; 
the officials of Sion College Library; the Rev. Wm. T. Man- 



iv Preface 

ning and Vestry of Trinity Church, New York City; and the Rev. 
R. T. Henshaw and Vestry of Christ's Church, Rye. To Dr. 
Paul Monroe and Dr. W. H. Kilpatrick there is due especial 
gratitude for their scholarly guidance; and to Dr. F. P. Graves, 
for his generous help in reviewing the manuscript. 

Teachers College, New York, 
August, 1913 



CONTENTS 

PART I 
GENERAL INTRODUCTION 

HAPTER PAGE 

I. Events Preceding the Founding of the S. P. G 1 

The low ebb of education and morals in the later seventeenth 
century. — The religious society movement. — Religious and 
educational awakening of the Church of England at home and 
in the colonies. — Earlier steps taken for planting a colonial 
Church. — Jurisdiction of the Bishop of London in the colonies. 
— The Society for mission work among the Indians of New Eng- 
land. — The work of Rev. Thos. Bray in behalf of the colonies. — 
The organizing of the S. P. C. K. — the organizing of the S. P. G. 
— Founding of the Bray Associates. 

II. The Work of the S. P. C. K. at Home and Abroad 16 

The founders. — Cooperation of religious and educational 
leaders on the continent including Professor Francke of Halle. — 
General purposes of the S. P. C. K. — Their work in behalf of 
sailors, — in behalf of prisons. — Their interest in the Georgia 
emigrants. — The establishment of charity-schools. — Forms of 
subscription. — Appeal to the nation in the interest of charity 
children. — Some records of their schools. — Spread of the move- 
ment as a result of the Society's work. — Cost per pupil, boys, — 
cost per pupil, girls. — Supervision of the schools. — Qualifica- 
tions required of a master. — School hours. — Curriculum. — 
Society supplies books. — Lists of books for masters of schools, — 
for pupils. — Society's educational plans for colonies adopted 
by the S. P. G. 

III. The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G 28 

Charter provisions . — M embership . — Aims . — Powers . — 
Funds and the sources of the same. — The various fields of the 
Society's work. — Extent of missions established in the thirteen 
colonies. — Sectarian controversies as obstacles to the Society's 
activities, — in New England, — in the middle colonies, — in the 
southern colonies. — The Whitefield movement as a hindrance. 
— The failure to secure a resident American bishop. 

IV. The Society's Regulations Concerning Schoolmasters .... 54 

Schoolmasters generally recruited in the colonies rather than 
in England. — Salaries of schoolmasters. — Col. Heathcote's 
plan for employing masters. — The design to engage the coopera- 
tion of the colonists in supporting schools, with ultimate colo- 
nial self-support in view. — Requirements of missionaries as to 
the encouragement of instruction. — Instructions for school- 
masters employed by the Society, — as to subjects of instruction, 
— as to regularity of attendance, — as to teaching prayers and 



vi Contents 

graces, — as to pupils' attendance at Church services, — as to 
manners and conduct of pupils, — as to consulting missionaries 
regarding methods, — as to sending accounts to the Society. — 
Special reports, Notitia Scholastica, adopted 1738. — Addi- 
tional regulations for schoolmasters as to personal require- 
ments, etc. — To what extent schoolmasters fulfilled the So- 
ciety's requirements. — Channels of information about schools, 
other than schoolmasters' reports. — The special school com- 
mittee of 1742 and its possible status. 

PART II 
THE SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS IN THE COLONY OF NEW YORK 

V. Introductory ' 63 

Status of the colonial Church at the advent of the S. P. G. — 
Religious and intellectual conditions. — Status of education and 
the attitude towards it. — Effect of rival sects on the progress 
of schools. — Provision of the colony for education, following 
English occupation. — Licensing of teachers. — Proposal of 
1691 — Grammar Free School act of 1702. — Grammar school 
opened by George Muirson. — Muirson succeeded by Andrew 
Clarke. — Public School act of 1732. — The school under Alex- 
ander Malcolm. — The grammar school of Robert Jenney. — 
The grammar school of King's College. — Evidences of gram- 
mar schools in New York City between 1741 and 1762. — Gov- 
ernmental indifference towards elementary education. — Gen- 
eral unstable conditions of school-keeping, about 1707. — Eng- 
lish schools in the province about 1708 as reported by Wm. 
Huddleston. — Elementary schools in New York City 1741- 
1762, as shown by reports of S. P. G. schoolmasters. 

VI. The Society's Charity School in the City of New York .... 80 
S. P. G. support begins in 1706. — William Huddleston first 
schoolmaster. — Teaching in New York as early as 1689. — 
Voted annual salary by S. P. G. in 1709. — Question of the date 
of the founding of Trinity school. — Steps leading to the adop- 
tion of the Huddleston school by the Society. — Huddleston's 
income from Society and Trinity Church. — His school becomes 
entirely free. — Inspection by city officials and minister. — First 
list of pupils. — Statistics from Huddleston's reports. — Mrs. 
Huddleston as assistant. — S. P. G. supplies books. — Pro- 
visions for a schoolhouse. — Huddleston's pupils assigned seats 
in Trinity Church. — Thomas Huddleston succeeds to the school. 
— His remuneration. — Statistics and fist of pupils. — Mrs. 
Huddleston in charge after her son's death. — Thomas Noxon 
appointed schoolmaster. — Trinity Vestry assumes formal in- 
terest in the school and appoints a permanent standing com- 
mittee to visit it. — Statistics from Noxon's reports. — Joseph 
Hildreth made schoolmaster. — His remuneration. — Activity 
of Trinity Church in the support and management of the 
school. — assumes charge of clothing and caring for children. — 
This work possible by (1) gift and bequests, (2) charity sermon 
collections. — Trinity Church builds a schoolhouse. — Statistics 
of the school from Hildreth's reports. — Assistant to Hildreth for 
instructing the girls. — Schoolhouse destroyed and rebuilt. — 
Second schoolhouse provided. — Interruption of school by 
events of 1776. — Destruction of two schoolhouses. — Hildreth's 
school in the social life of the city. — Amos Bull succeeds Hil- 
dreth. — Progress of the school in spite of the war.-— Alexander 
Street as schoolmaster. — Withdrawal of the Society's support. 



Contents vii 

VII. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County. 122 

The schools in the parish of Rye. — Col. Caleb Heathcote sets 
up a school at Rye. — Joseph Cleator appointed Society's school- 
master. — Remuneration. — His moving school later becomes 
fixed near the church. — Cleator's unfitness. — Statistics from his 
reports and lists of scholars. — Schoolhouse provided by himself 
with aid of town. — Samuel Purdy made schoolmaster. — Re- 
muneration. — Statistics. — Purdy irregular in serving school, 
employing substitute — Timothy Wetmore made schoolmaster. 
— His remuneration. — Statistics. — James Wetmore made assis- 
tant to Timothy — Dismissed for neglect. — Appointment of 
John Avery, John Rand and John Avery again. — Fre- 
quent changes due to better remuneration in other avoca- 
tions. — James Wetmore made schoolmaster. — Statistics. — 
School broken up by Rebels. — Richard Cudney S. P. G. school- 
master at Whiteplains. — Forced to desist for lack of encourage- 
ment. — School set up at North Castle, Flint Dwight master. — 
Indifference of inhabitants. — School removed to Whiteplains. — 
Schoolhouse built. — Statistics. — Secondary instruction in 
Rye parish by agents of Society. — Thomas Bradbury Chand- 
ler keeps a Latin school, 1747. — Latin school of Timothy Wet- 
more. — Rev. Mr. Avery's boarding Grammar school. 

The schools of Westchester parish. — Society offers to assist 
Yonkers. — Charles Glover appointed schoolmaster for West- 
chester. — William Forster succeeds Glover. — His remunera- 
tion. — Statistics. — Assistants to Forster. — Basil Bartow be- 
comes schoolmaster. — His remuneration. — Statistics. — Bar- 
tow employs an usher. — Bartow uses town schoolhouse. — 
Nathaniel Seabury made schoolmaster. — Statistics _ show de- 
cline of school. — George Youngs succeeds. — Statistics of his 
school. — After an interval George Gott appointed. — Society 
employs Samuel Jones at Miles Square for one year. — At- 
tempts to start schools at East Chester and New Rochelle. — 
Secondary instruction by Forster and by Rev. Samuel Seabury, 
missionary, in 1776. 

VIII. The Society's Support op Schools on Staten Island 163 

Three schoolmasters given bounties 1710. — Small schools. — 
After 1713 one school supported. — Charles Taylor school- 
master. — His remuneration. — His reports. — Succeeded by 
Andrew Wright. — Remuneration. — Few reports from him. — 
Nicholas Barrington, schoolmaster. — Remuneration. — Retires 
and Thomas Price appointed. — John Watts succeeds and is 
shortly followed by Tunis Egbert. — Meagre reports from 
these schoolmasters, but generally recommended by mis- 
sionaries. 

IX . The Society's Support op Schools on Long Island 173 

The schools in Hempstead parish. — Missionary inaugurates 
school, 1707 — Schoolhouse built— Thomas Gildersleve made 
first S. P. G. schoolmaster. — Remuneration. — Meagre 
reports. — Statistics. — Inefficiency. — Thomas Temple suc- 
ceeds. — Statistics. — Decline of school. — S. P. G. withdraws sup- 
port. — William Leahy appointed to South of Hempstead. — 
Successful work. — Followed by John Leffert for part of a year. 
— Timothy Wetmore attempts a school for society during Revo- 
lution. — Secondary instruction offered in Hempstead by Rev. 
Samuel Seabury and by Rev. Leonard Cutting. — Denton ap- 
pointed schoolmaster at Oyster Bay. — Statistics. — Succeeded 



viii Contents 

by Thomas Keble. — Statistics. — Reports of other schools. — 
Samuel Seabury, Jr., teaches at Oyster Bay. — James Wetmore 
reopens school at Oyster Bay. — Removed to Mosquito Cove. 
— The S. P. G. school in Jamaica. — Support of a school in 
Jamaica delayed. — Edward Willet appointed schoolmaster 
1733. — Poor income. — Statistics. — Other schools. — Willet suc- 
ceeded by John Moore for about two years. — Support with- 
drawn about 1743. — Schools attempted at Southampton and 
Brookhaven. 

X. The Society's Support of Schools in Upper Province 194 

Proposals for schools among the Palatines. — Gratuities to 
the schoolmaster at Albany. — Encouragement given schools 
by the S. P. G. missionaries at Albany, — at Poughkeepsie. — 
Plans for setting up a school at Poughkeepsie. — S. P. G. inter- 
est in elementary education in Schenectady. — The Latin school 
of Rev. William Andrews, — continued by Rev. John Doty, — 
revived by Rev. John Stuart. — S. P. G. school established at 
Johnstown. — Edward Wall, schoolmaster. — List of pupils. — 
Reports of progress. — Decline after death of Sir William John- 
son. — Support of schools among the Indians. — Early efforts. — 
Special mission of William Andrews. — Obstacles. — Supply of 
books in Indian language. — Failure of the work and with- 
drawal of Andrews. — Indians cared for by Albany mission- 
aries. — The more successful mission of Henry Barclay to the 
Indians. — Establishment of two schools with Indian schoolmas- 
ters. — Progress of this work. — Cornelius Bennet appointed 
catechist and schoolmaster. — Instruction in English lan- 
guage. — Proposals for extensive support of schools for Indians. 
— Colin McLeland commissioned as schoolmaster. — His re- 
ports and list of children. — Revolution puts an end to the work. 
— The comprehensive scheme for the civilizing of the Indians 
presented to the British government by the S. P. G. 

XI. The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 

and the Allied Negro School of the Bray Associates . . . 234 

S. P. G. interest in the religious instruction of Negro and 
Indian slaves. — Catechising schools as distinct from the work 
of the ordinary catechist. — The Catechising School founded by 
Elias Neau in New York City. — His zealous labor and the 
opposition to him. — Reports and lists of catechumens. — Oppo- 
sition of slave masters. — The uprising of 1712. — Success of 
Neau's work. — Statistics. — Encouragement of reading as well 
as religious instruction. — Decline of the work under James 
Wetmore and John Colgan, succeeding catechists. — Renewed 
progress under Richard Charlton and Samuel Auchmuty. — 
The Bray Associates take steps to establish Negro schools. — 
New York school opened 1760. — Reports of the school, with a 
list of pupils. — Curriculum. — School disbands about 1775. 

XII. The Routine and Curriculum of the Society's Schools .... 262 
School calendar. — Daily hours. — Subjects of the curricu- 
lum. — Religious instruction. — Reading. — Spelling. — Writing. 
— Arithmetic. — Higher mathematics. — Psalmody. — Curri- 
culum for girls. — An illustration of the method of instruction. — 
Day's program in the schools. — Reading text-books. — For 
beginners. — Reading texts. — Books supplied usually from 
England. — Illustrations of the contents of texts. 

Conclusion 275 

Bibliography 278 



PART I 
GENERAL INTRODUCTION 



CHAPTER I 

EVENTS PRECEDING THE FOUNDING OF THE S. P. G.* 

The seventeenth century was a period of extraordinary mental 
activity throughout Europe, no less in religious lines than in the 
field of natural philosophy. Schools of religious thought led to 
the formation of numerous sects, various systems being drawn 
from the great Protestant revolt of the preceding century. In 
England the century opened with two opposing religious bodies, 
— the orthodox Church of England and that body of reformers 
known as Puritans, the English followers of the Geneva School. 
With the coming of the period of the Commonwealth antagonistic 
sects increased until there were as many as sixteen, varying with 
each other in extreme positions and showing no nearer agreement 
than the acceptance of Biblical authority for their respective 
doctrines. Of all these sects the Quakers seem to have taken 
the most extreme views and, accordingly, to have suffered the 
greatest persecution. Much of this was due, not to their re- 
ligious opinions, but to their having associated with these tenets 
an attitude toward the State that was viewed as antagonistic 
to its preservation and safety. A state of affairs similar to this 
prevailed on the Continent where the repeated divisions arising 
from the ranks of the two earlier divisions of " Lutheran" and 
"Calvinist" or "Reformed" crowded the seventeenth century 
with religious contentions. 



* For the details of much of this introduction I am indebted to Pascoe, Two Hun- 
dred Years of the S. P. G. ; and Allen and McClure, The History of the Society for 
Promoting Christian Knowledge. Specific acknowledgment will not be generally 
made. 



2 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

In close association with the religious discord were the po- 
litical struggles of the century. Together they had a most dis- 
integrating effect on the social life of the period, in consequence 
of which education and morals found themselves at a low ebb. 
This is particularly the case in England in the period following 
the Commonwealth and the Civil War, where, probably, the 
morality and intelligence of the masses had never been in worse 
condition. A view of the teachers of this period is illustrated 
in the following quotation: " Amongst those of the late Reform- 
ing Age all learning was utterly cried down, so that with them 
the best Preachers were such as could not read, and the ablest 
Divines such as could hardly spell the letter. None were thought 
fit for the Ministry but Tradesmen and Mechanicks, because 
none else were allowed to have the Spirit. Those only were 
accounted like St. Paul, who could work with their hands, and in 
a literal sense drive the Nail home and be able to make a Pulpit 
before they Preached in it. . . . Latin was with them a, 
mortal crime, and Greek, instead of being owned for the Language 
of the Holy Ghost (as in the New Testament it is), was look'd 
upon as the Sin against it." 1 The early minutes and corres- 
pondence of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge 
show clearly the concern of the followers of the Church of Eng- 
land because of the prevailing ignorance and decadent morality 
of the time. "It is certain that Zeal for religion grows 
extremely cold. The infinite disputes about Opinions, and the 
Licenciousness of Innovators . . . have everywhere oc- 
casioned a certain disgust for Piety, which upon that account is 
nowadays much decay'd and very scarce. This Loosness has 
passed from Doctrines to manners, and there is nothing more 
rare than the practice of Christian Virtues." 2 In a letter to the 
Governor of Jamaica the Society says: "That Inundation of 
Profaneness and Immorality which we find of late broke in upon 
us, puts all serious persons here into no small consternation at 
the prospect of those Judgements which according to the ordinary 
course of Divine Providence overtake an Apostatiz'd People." 8 



1 Quoted from a sermon by Robert South preached at Westminster Abbey, 1692, 
by Overton, Life in the English Church, 1660-1714, p. 240. 

s Prom "A Memorial for the Preservation and Furtherance of Religion, " read at 
a meeting of the S. P. C. K., August 19, 1701— quoted by Allen and McClure, op. 
cit., p. 10. 

8 Prom a letter drawn up by Dr. Bray and adopted at a meeting of the S. P. C. K. 
January 6, 1700-01 — quoted by Allen and McClure, op. cit., p. 10. (This dating is 
according to the "Old Style" year which began on March 25th. It was not until 
1752 that the year began on January 1st.) 



Events Preceding the Founding of the S. P. G. 3 

A great amount of evidence of this nature is adducible to show 
the apprehensiveness of the Church of England as well as the 
leaders of non-conforming sects over the unwholesome condi- 
tions of the latter half of the seventeenth and the earlier decades 
of the following century. England was flooded with pamphlets 
dealing with one phase or another of the growth of vice and de- 
bauchery and the ignorance of the true principles of Christianity.* 

A reaction to the excesses of the time began to assert itself 
toward the end of the seventeenth century. The Pietistic move- 
ment in Germany under the influence of Spener and Francke 
was begun in Frankfort as a protest against impiety. At almost 
the same time a similar movement started within the Church 
of England led by Dr. Anthony Horneck (1641-1697). Hor- 
neck was a German who came to England after the Restoration, 
was put in Orders, and, in 1671, began preaching in London. 
Through his sermons, in large measure, there were founded, 
from 1678 on, many church societies which were devoted at 
first to religious conference and mutual edification only, but 
which soon started a Christian warfare for the winning of prose- 
lytes. These societies grew to the number of forty-two in Lon- 
don and Westminster alone and similar institutions were founded 
throughout the kingdom. 

In 1691 societies for the reformation of manners began to be 
formed. Their membership was made up of both churchmen and 
non-conformists and their object was to secure and put into op- 
eration laws against profaneness and debauchery. In "The 
Two and Twentieth account of the Progress made in the cities 
of London and Westminster and Places adjacent by the So- 
cieties for Promoting a Reformation of Manners," it is claimed, 
that, "By furthering the Execution of the Laws against Profane- 
ness and Immorality, and other Christian Methods the said So- 
cieties have in Pursuance of their Design from the first of De- 
cember 1715 to the first of December 1716, prosecuted divers 
sorts of offenders" such cases as drunkenness, breaking the Lord's 
Day, profane swearing and cursing, keeping of gaming houses, 
and lewd and disorderly practices to the number of nearly two 
thousand. 5 The Stage, too, came in for bitter antagonism 



4 Thousands of such pamphlets are to-day preserved in the Archives of Sion College 
Library, Victoria Embankment, London. 

s From, " Sermon to and Account of the Societies for the Reformation of Manners," 
1717 — Sion College Archives, 43 : F: 21, No. 15. 



4 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

because of its tendency to use "lewd and profane expressions" 
and the clergy were urged "to lay open in their Sermons, the 
intolerable Liberties and Corruptions of the Stage, with the 
Great Dishonour that such abuses must necessarily bring upon 
Religion and the Nation." 6 But in spite of orders from Queen 
Anne, regulating the play-houses, the problem continued a 
serious one. 7 

The foregoing account has seemed material, to the writer, as 
explaining the great religious awakening of the Church of England 
in both the home and the foreign fields which began at the very 
close of the seventeenth century. The work of the Church 
societies and of the societies seeking the reformation of manners 
had prepared the way for the success of the Society for Promoting 
Christian Knowledge and the Society for the Propagation of the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts. They were the direct antecedents of 
them. The S. P. C. K. took up immediately the work of the 
earlier societies, broadening their scope, introducing and em- 
phasizing the agency of schools for the inculcating of religious 
education, and directing attention to the reform of conditions 
in the English foreign possessions as well as at home. Fortu- 
nately, this work was inaugurated at a time when political events 
were unusually favorable and they must be noted as one of the 
causes making possible the successful activity of the two great 
missionary societies of the National Church. 8 

At about this time England was being aroused to the neglected 
state of religion and morality in the colonies and especially to 
the extremely precarious condition of the National Church there. 
The Church of England had lagged behind in the field of mis- 
sion work in the nation's foreign possessions, to the extent, at 
least, of any organized system like that of the eighteenth cen- 
tury. 9 Colonization of America was at first carried on through 
private adventures, under grants from the Crown, and by means 
of small numbers of families. The different groups of colonists 

6 S. P. C. K. Minute-book, 1698-1706, Feb. 7, 1705-06. 

7 Ibid. 

8 The Peace of Ryswick, 1697, brought to an end the costly struggles that had 
been carried on in Europe throughout the century. The question of Royal title was 
settled for England and all domestic strife was at an end. The Crown welcomed the 
opportunity now before it to reform the internal administration. 

9 Priests of the Church of England had been sent out to minister on the American 
shores with the attempted settlements of the sixteenth century. Such provision 
was included in the expeditions of Martin Frobisher, Sir Humphrey Gilbert and Sir 
Walter Raleigh. 



Events Preceding the Founding of the S. P. G. 5 

were nearly all dissenters from the National Church. Moreover 
they disagreed radically with each other in religion and church 
government and this was intensified through settlements made by 
other nationalities of Europe. Such religious foundations as were 
made were dependent on the opinions of the local group and 
were fostered altogether by themselves or by agencies in their 
old homes. Officially, it is true, the Church had interested it- 
self in the state of spiritual and ecclesiastical affairs in the col- 
onies as early as 1634. A commission was formed to regulate 
them which was to be under the control of the Archbishops of 
Canterbury and York. In this same year the jurisdiction of the 
Bishop of London was extended to the English congregations 
and clergy abroad. The Bishop was one of the Council for 
Virginia. As a Member of the Company he was applied to for 
"help and assistance in procuring Ministers." This is probably 
"the first instance of the Bishop of London's concern in the 
Ecclesiastical affairs of the Plantations." 10 In 1638 a move- 
ment was started to send a Bishop to New England 11 and shortly 
after the Restoration a Bishop of Virginia was nominated, 12 but 
neither plan was carried out. In 1675 Henry Compton, then 
Bishop of London, instituted an inquiry into the status of the 
See of London's "pastoral charge of sending our Ministers into 
our British Foreign Plantations, and having the jurisdiction of 
them." He "found this title so defective that little or no good 
had come of it," there being "scarce four Ministers of the Church 
of England in all the vast tract of America and not above one or 
two of them, at most, regularly sent over." 13 It was not until 
ten years after this that Compton was able to procure from the 
Government definite measures extending the jurisdiction of the 
Bishopric of London over the Plantations. In 1685 he got per- 
mission from the King to present to the Committee for Trade 
and Plantations the following proposals: (1) "That he may have 
all ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the West Indies, excepting the 
disposal of Parishes (that is, the right of presenting, instituting 
and inducting), Licenses for Marriage, and Probate of Wills;" 
(2) "That no Schoolmaster coming from England be received 



io Bishop of London to the King in Council 19 Feb. 1759, Documents relative to 
the Colonial Hist, of N. Y., VII, pp. 360-9. 

" Classified Digest of the Records of the S. P. G. 1701-1892, p. 743. 
« Dr. Bray to the Bishop of London, Oct. 28th, 1723, Fulham Archives. 
" Quoted in, Classified Digest of the Records of the S. P. G. 1701-1892, p. 2. 



6 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

without License from his Lordship, or from other His Majesty's 
Plantations without they take the Governor's License." 14 
From this time until the close of the Revolution the affairs of the 
English Church were under the care of the Bishop of London. 15 
Acting on his vested authority the Bishop appointed Commis- 
saries for the various colonies, beginning with the selection of 
Rev. James Blair for Virginia and Rev. Thomas Bray for Mary- 
land, in 1790 and 1796 respectively. Appointments for other 
colonies followed as the work of the church developed. 

It must be noted that the extension of the Bishop of London's 
jurisdiction was only in part. The intervening distance and 
the political character of the colonies precluded the possibility 
of an exercise of power such as that possessed by a Bishop in 
England. Without a resident Bishop in the colonies many things 
ordinarily under the care and authority of such a person had to 
be done by some other authority. "Such are the repairs of the 
Churches and the providing books and other necessities for the 
service, the Instituting, and Inducting Incumbents, the repair 
of the Glebe houses, the probate of the Wills, Licence for Mar- 
riage, examining and approving Clergymen, and schoolmasters, 
and the correction of vice and immorality by coercive power 
.. . . therefore these powers are placed by several Acts of 
Assembly, partly in the Church Wardens, partly in the Justices 
of the Peace, and partly in the Governors of the Respective 
Provinces." 16 The Bishop's delegated power to license school- 
masters was probably exercised throughout, in the case of those 
who professed the doctrine of the Church of England. Of these, 
however, there were comparatively few, 17 schoolmasters being 
for the most part obtained in the colonies. As to non-conform- 
ing schoolmasters, or schoolmasters hired by the Society, in the 
colonies, the authority of the Bishop was not acknowledged in 
any apparent way, nor does he seem to have attempted to ex- 



14 Extracts from the Journals of the Committee of Trade and Plantations relating 
to the Bishop of London's jurisdiction in the British colonies. Hawks Transcripts 
G. C; Doc. re. Col. Hist. N. Y. op. cit., VII, pp. 380-9. 

15 Save a short period when this jurisdiction was transferred to the Archbishop of 
Canterbury. See the Royal instructions to Gov. Dongan of N. Y. in N. Y. Col. 
Docs., op. cit., Ill, p. 372; also Clews, Colonial Educational Legislation, p. 227. 

16 Doc. re. Col. Hist. N. Y., op. cit., VII, p. 369. 

17 Pothergill has listed more than 30 such who between 1695 and 1748 qualified for 
the Royal bounty of ^T20 passage money. Fothergill, Gerald, A List of Emigrant 
Ministers to America 1690-1811. 



Events Preceding the Founding of the S. P. G. 7 

erase authority therein. 18 

The activity of Bishop Compton in behalf of the spiritual 
welfare of the colonies was soon supplemented by "several em- 
inent Persons who observing this great Calamity, became zealous 
to redress it." 19 Among the first of these was Sir Leolyne Jen- 
kins who, declaring that there were too few "Persons in Holy 
Orders, employed in his Majesty's Fleets at Sea, and Foreign 
Plantations," provided in his will, Nov. 9, 1685, two fellowships 
at Jesus College, Oxford. The bequest was on condition that 
the said two Fellows "may be under an indispensable obligation, 
to take upon them Holy Orders of Priesthood and afterwards 
they go to Sea, in any of his Majesty's Fleets, when they or any 
of them are thereto Summoned . . . and in case there be 
no Use of their Service at Sea, to be called by the Lord Bishop of 
London to go out into any of his Majesty's Foreign Plantations, 
there to take upon them the Cure of Souls, and exercise their 
ministerial Function, reserving to them their full Salaries, with 
the farther Encouragement of twenty Pounds a Year apiece, 
while they are actually in either of the Services aforesaid." 20 
Another bequest from the Honorable Robert Boyle, Esq., settled 
an annual salary on "some learned Divine or Preaching Minis- 
ter forever," requiring him, among other things, to encourage 
undertakings for promoting the Christian religion in foreign 
parts. 21 He also bequeathed money to the College of Virginia 
for supporting nine or ten Indian children there, and providing 
them with a Christian education. 22 

As has been stated above no organized mission work in the 
colonies had been undertaken up to this time by the English 
Church. The work was too vast to be made permamently suc- 



*8 As a proof of this the S. P. G. in 1731 resolved "to desire the Lord Bishop of 
London to direct his Commissaries abroad to receive and examine any complaints 
which may be made against Schoolmasters employed by the Society, and transmit 
to them the state of such matters. " S. P. G. Journal, V, 320. To this the Bishop 
replied, that his Commission from the Crown did not include such power and he 
"could not comply with the request. " Ibid., p. 328. 

19 Humphreys, Historical Account of the S. P. G., p. 4. 

20 Quoted by, Humphreys, op. cit., pp. 4-5; Annual Reports S. P. G., 1706, p. 7-8. 
One of these Fellows, Rev. Henry Nichols, was appointed first S. P. G. Missionary in 
Pennsylvania, at Chester 1703 — S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 170; Pascoe, op. cit., 
p. 840, 852. Nichols' fellowship was worth ^"40 per annum — Jonathan Edwards to 
Sec, S. P. G., Letter-book, A, 3, p. 97. 

21 Humphreys, op. cit., p. 6. 

22 "Instructions from Gov. Nicholson to Robert Hicks and John Evans in treating 
with the Indians, as to trade 1700, in Virginia. " — Pulham Archives. Boyle was one 
of the Promoters and first Governor of the "S. P. G. amongst the Heathen Natives, 
of New England, and the Parts adjacent in America, " incorporated by Charles II. — 
Humphreys, op. cit., p. 6. 



8 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

cessful through the isolated efforts of the heads of the Church, or 
through a dependence on individual initiative. What was 
needed was the cooperation of religious societies and this the 
Church came to realize with the opening of the eighteenth cen- 
tury. Before this, however, the non-conformists had inaugurated 
a religious society movement for work in New England. The 
instigator of it was John Eliot, who devoted more than forty 
years of his life to the evangelization of the Indians about New 
England. Through correspondence and tracts his work became 
known in England. Parliament, in 1649, was induced to pass an 
ordinance establishing "A Corporation for the Promoting and 
Propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ in New England." The 
said corporation consisted of a president, treasurer, and fourteen 
assistants and was to be called "the President and Society for 
the Propagation of the Gospel in New England." 23 After the 
Restoration the Corporation naturally required a new charter 
and letters patent were issued by Charles II for the same in 1661. 
The renewed organization was chartered as the "Company for 
the Propagation of the Gospel in New England, and parts ad- 
jacent in America." 24 Churchmen and dissenters constituted 
its membership. 25 Meetings were to be held in London "as oc- 
casion shall require," and the powers were as follows: 

"The Governour, or any 13 of the said Company, may under their seal 
appoint Commiss rs resideing in the said Colonyes, or parts adjacent in America, 
for them to treat and agree with Ministers, Schoole Masters, etc a , to reside 
in the parts aforesaid, for such Salaries and allowances to bee paid them for 
their paines, etc a , in the Civilizeing teaching, and instructing the Natives in 
the true Religion & Morality, in the English toung, and in the liberall Arts 
& Sciences, as also in educating & placeing, their children in some trade or 
Lawfull calling, and also to buy Books, Tooles, and other Implements ne- 
cessary for the same, and for payments of such sallarys, allowances, and ex- 
pences aforesaid. And to do any other acts according to the Orders or In- 
structions of their said Commissions or orders, from time to time sent from 
the Govern 1 " or any nine of the said Company, which said Commiss rs shall 
from time to time give an account of their proceedings, as they shall be re- 
quired from the said Gov nr or any nine of the said Company. " 26 

With such collections as were made a fund was established, the 
income of which made it possible to maintain missionaries for 



23 Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 2. 

24 Ibid., p. 3; Abstract of patent. Perry, Historical Collections relating to the Colo- 
nial Church in America, pp. 646-7; Acts of Privy Council, 1613-1680, p. 332; Lam- 
beth Mss. 1123, a copy of which is in Hawks Transcripts, G. C. 

25 Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 2. 

26 Abstract of the Patent, Perry, op. cit., p. 648. The first Governor of this so- 
ciety under Charles II was Robert Boyle, Esq., founder in 1660 of the Royal Society 
and benefactor to the College of Virginia. 



Events Preceding the Founding of the S. P. G. 9 

instructing and converting the Indians, and chief among them 
was Eliot. 27 The society carried on its operations in New Eng- 
land and parts of New York until the Revolution, there after 
transferring to the British possessions in America. 

Organized effort wholly under the auspices of the followers of 
the Church began with the founding of the Society for the Pro- 
moting of Christian Knowledge. This was a movement that 
undertook to incorporate in the one association all of the under- 
lying purposes of the religious society movements which had 
preceded. It had for its aim the counteracting of schisms, the 
opposing of profaneness and immorality by coercive force, the 
care of the spiritual welfare of transmaritime possessions, the 
spread of religious education there and at home, among the poorer 
classes especially, and the effecting of the above by means of 
missionaries, schoolmasters, the disseminating of literature, and 
the establishing of libraries. 

The originating spirit in the founding of the S. P. C. K. was 
Rev. Thomas Bray, D. D., who had been named the first Com- 
missary of Maryland. 28 His services therein, as also in the for- 
mation of other affiliated societies of the Church, were remark- 
able. Dr. Bray was born in 1656 at Marton, Shropshire, and 
was educated at Oswestry Grammar School, and Hartford Col- 
lege, Oxford. Following preferments as curate and chaplain, 
he was, in 1690, made Rector of Sheldon in Warwickshire. His 
activities were numerous in connection with the various "Re- 
ligious Societies," the "Societies for the Reformation of Man- 
ners," 29 the revival of Church discipline among the Clergy, 30 



27 The difficulties of the work are brought out in correspondence between Eliot 
and Eichard Baxter of London. See the Baxter Mss. in the Archives of Dr. William's 
Library, Gordon Square, London, especially III, pp. 94 and 264; and V, p. 83. 

28 See p. 6. 

29 Archives of Sion College Library, Bray Mss., p. 46. These Mss. were bequeathed 
to Sion College by Dr. Bray, most of them having been assembled by him about 1705. 
Ibid., p. 59-60. 

30 " He cannot imagine what can be better pushed in order to keep the Bural clergy 
to their rule, & close to their Duty, and thereby to advance their character & reputa- 
tion and to create a due veneration towards y m y e Resolutions there formed being 
these, That they will meet in their Library Monthly or oftener, to Consider or con- 
fer as upon ways & means of Augmenting ye same .... to consult upon y e best meth- 
ods of ffurnishing ye common People wth small practical Devotional Peices, & Prin- 
cipling ye children & Youth w' h Catechetical Instruction, of Erecting Schooles for 
ye Education of Poor Children, of getting ye Laws Put in Execution agt Profaneness 
&c. Imorality &c. by what other means they can best discharge their Pastoral 
Care & Duty & Promote Publick Good. " — From, "Part 1., A Narrative containing 
what passed from Dr. Bray's first acceptance of the Commissary's office of Maryland 
in the Yeare 1696, to his arrival there 1699" — Bray Mss., p. 50, in Sion College 
Library. The same Ms., p. 72 fl., being part of the appendix of this narrative, 
gives an account of a series of such monthly meetings. 



10 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

and the improvement of prison conditions in London. 31 

His success as pastor and as author of a series of "Catechetical 
Lectures" designed for the religious instruction of poor children 
brought him to the notice of the Bishop of London. He was 
selected in April, 1696, to go out to Maryland as the latter's 
Commissary in response to a petition from that province for the 
help of a "Superintendent, Commissary, or Suffragan." 32 This 
office he was "content to accept, " "if their Lordships the Bishops 
thought fit to assist him in providing Parochial Libraries for the 
ministers that should be sent." For, said Bray, "since none 
but the poorer sort of clergy, who could not sufficiently supply 
themselves with books, could be persuaded to leave their friends, 
and change their country for one so remote," it would be im- 
possible for them to answer the ends of their mission "without 
a competent provision of books." 33 Whereupon his proposal 
being well approved "and due Encouragement being promised 
in the Prosecution of the design both by their Ldps and others, 
he did thereupon with all possible Application set himself wholly 
to provide Missionaries, and to furnish them out with Libraries, 
with an Intent, so soon as he should have sent both, to follow 
after them himself." 34 

As early as 1692 Maryland had been divided into parishes and 
a legal maintenance provided for ministers in each. 35 The Act 
was neglected until the arrival of Governor Francis Nicholson 
August, 1694, who revived it by an additional one "for the increase 
and maintenance of Religion." 36 But Royal confirmation of the 
laws was delayed by certain objectionable features, so that the 
maintenance of the clergy was too uncertain 37 and it was three 
years before Bray was able "to follow after." On "Deer 16, 
1699 he took his voyage, and arrived in Maryland, after an ex- 
treme tedious, and dangerous Passage, the 18th of March follow- 
ing. " 38 



si Ibid., p. 46. Also see, "A General Plan of a Penitential Hospital" for reform- 
ing the method of detaining women prisoners, ibid., pp. 65, 107, 331. 
« Ibid., p. 32. 
« From a "Memoir of Dr. Bray" in a Report of Dr. Bray's Associates, 1906, p. 32. 

34 Bray Mss., op. cit., p. 35. 

35 Ibid., p. 32. 

36 ibid., p. 101, being a printed pamphlet on "The present State of the Protestant 
Heligion in Maryland. " 

37 Ibid., p. 41. 

38 Ibid., pp. 55-56. 



Events Preceding the Founding of the S. P. G. 11 

In the interval between his appointment and his setting out 
for Maryland Dr. Bray was "fully employed under my Ld of 
London in Enquiring out, and providing Missionaries to be sent" 
into that and other colonies. But above all it was his care "to 
furnish out all whom he had an hand in sending with good Li- 
braries of necessary and useful Books." 39 In order "better to 
promote both this main Design of Libraries, and to give the 
Missionaries direction in the use of them in the prosecution of 
their Theological Studies, he published two Books one Intituled, 
'Bibliotheca Parochialis, or a Scheme of Theological Heads, both 
general and particular as are more peculiarly requisite to be well 
Studied by every Pastor of a Parish : Together with a Catalogue 
of Books which may be Read on each of these Points.'" 40 The 
second book bore the title, "Apostolick Charity its Nature and 
Excellence considered in a Discourse upon Dan. 12. 3. Preached 
at St. Paul's at the Ordination of some Protestant Missionaries 
to be sent into the Plantations. To which is Prefixt: A General 
View of the English Colonies in America, with respect to Re- 
ligion, in order to shew what Provision is wanted for the Propa- 
gation of Christianity in those parts." 41 As a result of his zeal 
for libraries we are told that "by the exactest account that has 
been procured upwards of fifty Libraries, it appears, were founded 
by Dr. Bray in America and other countries abroad, and sixty- 
one Parochial Libraries in England and Wales;" and that "he 
sent into America upwards of 34,000 religious Books and 
Tracts." 42 

With the first thirty libraries sent over an expense of £2,000 
had been incurred towards which there was collected only 
£1,500. The deficit Bray had to meet personally. "Besides 
yt, " he writes, "I have spent Three full Years and upwds in ye 
•carrying on of this Design solely at my own Charge & have under- 
gone an unspeakable Labour & Fatigue in ye prosecution there- 
of." 43 The question of funds, therefore, became all-important 



*9 Ibid., p. 37. 

40 ibid., p. 40. Observe the burdensome title which was customary at that time. 

41 Published in London 1698. One copy of this is in the New York Public Library; 
another is in the Library of the General Theological Seminary. 

42 Appendix to a second edition (1808) of "Publick Spirit Illustrated in the Life 
and Designs of the Reverend Thomas Bray D.D.," published in 1746. The Bray 
Mss. in Sion College Library contain about 26 catalogues of thes8 libraries and two 
or more volumes of such catalogues are among the manuscript records of the "Asso- 
ciates of Dr. Bray." 

« " A Memorial of Thomas Bray, D.D., relating to ye Libraries sent into America, " 
Lambeth Archives, 941, fol. 71. 



12 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

for the furthering of his elaborate plans. "Upon these Accts, 
I say, it will be scarcely Possible for me to go into Maryland till 
I am Reimbursed ye charge I have been at, " u he continues. 

It was this exigency that seems to have impressed upon him 
the impossibility of succeeding without the assistance of a speci- 
ally chartered society. He had struggled hard over the problem 
of public funds. Queen Mary had generously granted a Royal 
bounty of £200 a year during her life 45 and the Princess of Den- 
mark, afterwards Queen Anne, had encouraged him with a 
"Noble Benefaction." 46 Later an attempt was made to get the 
aid of the House of Commons. A bill being brought up in 1697, 
"to alienate Lands given to Superstitious Uses and Vest them in 
Greenwich Hospital," Bray petitioned for a portion of this, but 
the bill was never reported. 47 The following year he tried and 
failed to obtain the grant of a debt of £1,500 due to the Crown 
since the reign of Charles II. 48 "All designs failing," the nar- 
rative declares, "of getting a publick ffund for the Propagation 
of the Gospel in fforeign Parts, he therefore formed a design, 
whereof he even then drew the Plan, and layd it before the proper 
person, with others of Consideration, of having a Protestant 
Congregation pro Propaganda Fide by charter from the King. 
But things did not seem then so ripe as to Encourage him to 
proceed at that 'time in the attempt." 49 "However, to prepare 
the way for such Charter Society, he soon after endeavored to 
form a Voluntary Society both to carry on the Service already 
begun for the Plantations, and to Propagate Christian Knowl- 
edge as well at Home as Abroad, hoping withal in time to get such 
Society Incorporated as afterwards he did. And it was not 
long till he found some worthy Persons willing to engage in it, 
who have since encreased to a Considerable Body and a vast 
deal of Good has been done by them, not only in assisting him 
in sending Libraries Abroad but by their dispersing a Vast Num- 
ber of Good Books at Home, among our ffleets and Armies and 
in raising Charity Schools in, and about the City, and by their 



44 Ibid. 

45 Humphreys, op. cit., p. 11. 

46 Bray Mss., op. cit., p. 39. 

47 Ibid., pp. 42-43. 

48 Ibid., p. 43; Lambeth Archives, 941, fol. 71. 

49 Bray Mss., op. cit., p. 43. Other papers bear out this evidence and go far to 
show that Bray conceived both the names and the purposes of the S. P. C. K. and 



Events Preceding the Founding of the S. P. G. 13 

Correspondencies in promoting the same in several parts of the 
Kingdom besides." 60 

The quotation just given refers, of course, to the S. P. C. K. 
the original plan of which Dr. Bray had formulated in 1697 and 
laid before the Bishop of London. 51 This plan comprised the 
germ of both the S. P. C. K. and the S. P. G. It was presented 
to the former society in response to a resolution calling for Bray's 
scheme which was passed at the first meeting. 52 The following 
draft is taken from the Bray Mss. of Sion College Library: 

"A General Plan. 

" Of the Constitution of a Protestant Congregation, or Society, for the Propa- 
gation of Christian Knowledge as layd before the Ld Bp of London, and some 
others in the Yeare 1697, upon the unsuccessfulness of the Bill for Vesting 
of Lands Given to Superstitious Uses in Greenwich Hospital, and to provide 
for Protestant Missions. 

"First that it consist of ( ) Members two thirds, some of the London 

Clergy of the Chiefest Note, and one third of such others as are Eminent for 
their Worth and Affection to Religion and the Church of England; And 
among these that the Senior Chaplains to the Ld AbP of Canterbury and Bp 
of London be always standing Members, and that the Ld Bp of London have 
always a negative in the Election of any other Member Elected. 
"Secondly that these persons be Incorporated by Charter, as the R. Society, 
or the Sons of the Clergy are, And be thereby Impowrd to Meet, and Consult 
as often as there shall be occasion, upon the best means and Methods of pro- 
moting Religion and Learning in Any part of his Majesties Plantations, 
abroad. 

"Thirdly that it be under their care 1st to Enquire out fit and proper persons, 
to present to the Ld Bp of London for the time being, for his LdP s Licence to 
go Chaplains into the fforeign Plantations, and that they be answerable for 
such men as shall appear to have been 111 qualifyed for such a Mission. 
21y That they proceed to perfect the Design of fixing Parochial Libraries 
throughout the Plantations, in order to render both these Missionaries useful! 
and serviceable in the Propagation of the Christian ffaith and Manners (31y) 
That it be in their power to Alott such Gratuities or Pensions as they shall 
think fit, as rewards to those Ministers concerning whom the Ld Bp of Lon- 
don's Respective Commissaries shall Certifie that they merit more than 
ordinarie by their Learning, Labour and Success in their Ministry and Mission; 
as also that it be in their power to propose and alot what Pensions they shall 
think fit to such Ministers as shall most hazard their Persons in attempting 
the Conversion of the Native Indians : 41y That it be their Care to make some 
provision for such of our Missionaries, Widows and Children, as are left un- 
provided, especially for the Widows, and Orphan Children of such, who by 
their Zeal and Industry in Converting of Souls may have Occasion'd the Loss 
of Life or Goods. 

"Lastly to Enable the Congregation pro propaganda fide to discharge these 
forementioned Trusts that they be Impowerd by their Charter to receive 
Gifts, Grants, Legacies &c. not exceeding ( ) per. An. as by the Charter 

shall be limited." 
"Secondly, As to the Propagating Christian Knowledge at home." 



so ibid., p. 44. 
si Ibid., p. 62. 
52 S. P. C. K. Minute-book, 1698-1706, March 8, 1698-99. 



14 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

"1st. That they proceed to provide Catechetical Libraries, in the Smaller 
Parishes of this Kingdom to enable the poor Clergy to perform their duty of 
Catechising according to the 39 Canon: 

"And the Market Towns w tn Lending Libraries for any of the Clergy to 
have Recourse to, or to Borrow Books out of, as there shall be occasion. 
"21y. That they proceed also to set up Catechetical Schools for the Educa- 
tion of Poor Children in Reading, Writing, and more especially in the Prin- 
ciples of the X an Religion. "» 

Bray returned from Maryland after one year of service. Pre- 
judices had been raised against the establishment of the Church 
there, and he came back in the hope of securing Royal assent to 
a bill for its proper constitution. Meantime the S. P. C. K. 
had grown to such an extent that a division of its work became 
necessary. Bray, accordingly, led the movement to organize, 
by charter, a separate Society for the Propagation of the Gospel 
in Foreign Parts, and thus leave to the older society the work 
in the home field. On March 15, 1701, he petitioned the King 
for Letters Patent for such a charter. 64 The petition being fa- 
vorably received a charter was drawn up by Bray and the S. P. 
C. K. and received the Royal sanction June 16, 1701. 85 In a 
letter dated "July 15th 1701" and addressed "May it please 
Yor Excellency," Dr. Bray says: 

"I bless God I have obtained a Charter Incorporating a So- 
ciety for ye propagacon of the Gospel in foreign parts which I 
hope will be able many Wayes to assist all good Endeavors wth 
you & to ptect the Churches abroad from such Usage as it lately 
met with in Maryland." 56 

Yet another society remains to be credited to the achieve- 
ment of Dr. Bray, which, like the previous ones, was devoted to 
the betterment of religion and education at home and in America. 
The condition of the Negroes and Indians in the colonies had 
ever excited a feeling of pity in Dr. Bray. In the Archives of 
Fulham Palace there is a manuscript endorsed, "Dr. Bray's 
Plan of a congregation Pro propaganda ffide" in which he lays 
down the plan of a society for carrying on work "amongst yt 
Poorer sort of people, as also amongst ye Blacks & Native In- 



53 Bray Mss., op. cit., p. 342. There are two other copies of this scheme; on p. 62,. 
the copy does not include work "at home"; on p. 321 is a rough draught probably 
the original one. 

54 Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 5. 

55 The charter is printed in full in Pascoe, op. cit., p. 932, being a copy of the first 
printed edition, that of 1706. 

56 Bray Mss., op. cit., p. 257. The letter is undoubtedly intended for the Governor 
of Maryland. 



Events Preceding the Founding of the S. P. G. 15 

dians." 57 Through his interest and concern, work similar to 
that represented by the Catechetical Schools of England was 
included in the aims of the Society of 1701. Later, "on a visit 
which he paid to Holland to seek the King's patronage of his 
designs, he made acquaintance with a gentleman at the Hague, 
M. Abel Tassin, more commonly known as Sieur D'Allone, 
secretary to the King, whose mind was also turned towards the 
subject, and who gave the sum of nine hundred pounds in his 
life 68 to be applied to the instruction of Negroes. Dr. Bray, at 
his request, 59 undertook the disposal of it, and being attacked by 
a dangerous illness 60 about Christmas 1723, nominated certain 
trustees, his Associates, whose authority was ratified by a decree 
in Chancery" 61 obtained on June 24th, 1730. 62 In addition to 
the instruction of Negroes, which continued until long after 
Independence had been won, the Associates were also devoted 
to the work of distributing books in England and in the Plan- 
tations, thus perpetuating the library work of the founder. 

Dr. Bray died Feb. 15, 1729-30, at the age of seventy-three 
years, bequeathing his estate to the promotion of his designs in 
different parts of the world. His power to create and organize 
the great extension work of the Church was extraordinary. In 
view of his services to the colonies he deserves to be known as 
one of the greatest contributors to that period of American 
history. 



57 This is undated but was probably prepared in the interval between Bray's being 
commissioned to Maryland and the founding of the S. P. G. Very likely it was sug- 
gested to him by the work of the "S. P. G. for the Natives of New England" which 
has been already alluded to. 

58 See Extracts of D'AUoune's letters, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 19, pp. 21-23. The 
actual sum received from D'Alloune is difficult to determine. Not only did he make 
gifts during his life, probably to the amount stated in the quotation above, but in his 
Will, dated the 1st of July 1721, he bequeathed one-tenth of his English Estate, and 
the arrears of his pension due from the Crown "at ye time of my death. " The in- 
come from it was to be used by Dr. Bray and his Associates for " Ye erecting a school 
or Schools for ye thorough Instructing in ye Xtian Religion ye Young Children of 

Negro Slaves & such of their Parents as show themselves inclineable " S. P. G. 

Letter-book, A, 19, p. 17. (This is a copy of an extract from his Will.) 

59 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 19, p. 18. 
«o Ibid. 

6 1 From, "Memoir of Dr. Bray," in the Report of Dr. Bray's Associates, 1906 „ 
pp. 34-35. 

62 Archives of the Bray Associates, Minute-book, 1729-1735, p. 1; S. P. G. Journal 
V., p. 257. 



CHAPTER II 

THE WORK OF THE S. P. C. K. AT HOME AND ABROAD. 

The Society for the Promoting Christian Knowledge formally 
began its work on March 8, 1698-9, 1 with five members, viz: 
Dr. Bray, Lord Guilford, Sir Humphrey Mackworth and Mr. 
Justice Hook, members of the English bar, and Col. Maynard 
Colchester, a country gentleman of Gloucestershire, who had 
already established on his own account a charity school in that 
shire. On April 19th Mr. John Chamberlayne was elected and 
became the Society's secretary, later being selected for the same 
office in the S. P. G. In the next few months many of the prom- 
inent clergy of the Church had become members, and corres- 
ponding members were enrolled from centres in England, Wales 
and Ireland, and from the English territory beyond the sea. 
Moreover the Society invited and received the cooperation of 
men on the continent who were engaged in similar work of re- 
formation. 2 Unusual success seemed to attend the venture 
from the beginning. The four resolutions of the first meeting 
indicate the range of the Society's interest and the guiding hand 
of Dr. Bray. They are recorded in the Minutes as follows: 

"1. Resolv'd that Col. Colchester and Dr. Bray go and discourse George 
Keith in order to be satisfyed what progress he has hitherto made towards 
the instruction and conversion of Quakers, and to know what he designs to 
attempt further, under the conduct of God's Providence and assistance, in 
order to redeem that misguided people to the knowledge and belief of Christ, 
and that they report the same to the Society to-morrow morning. 

"2. Resolv'd that we consider to-morrow morning how to further and 
promote that good Design of erecting Catecheticall Schools in each parish 
in and about London, and that Col. Colchester and Dr. Bray give their 
thoughts how it may be done. 

"3. Resolv'd that the Right Hon We the Lord Guilford be desired to speak 
to the Archbishop that care may be taken that a Clause be provided in the 
Bill for imploying the poor, to have the Children taught to read and be in- 
structed in the Church Catechism. 



i S. P. C. K. Minute-book. 

2 Professor Francke of Halle, and later his son; Osterwald of Neuchatel; Mr. De 
Beringhen of the Hague; and Dr. Brincke, a Danish Minister of Copenhagen, were 
some of these associated members. 

16 



The Work of the S. P. C. K. at Home and Abroad 17 

"4. Resolv'd that Dr. Bray be desired, as soon as conveniently he can, to 
lay before this Society his Scheme for Promoting Religion in the Plantations, 
and his accompts of Benefactions and Disbursements towards the same." 3 

Here are proposals to enter upon the work of combating the 
growth of sectaries particularly "that misguided people," the 
Quakers, of supporting Charity Schools, of espousing the wel- 
fare of children apprenticed by ensuring them some religious 
education, and of supporting Bray's plans for the American 
colonies. The Society, shortly thereafter, added other aims 
that had been undertaken by the earlier organizations mentioned 
in preceding pages. It prosecuted cases of profaneness. It ob- 
served and brought to public notice the infractions of the Stage. 
Following Bray's ideas, it took up the task of circulating books 
and founding libraries, at home as well as in the colonies. Later 
it engaged in translating books into foreign language to further 
increase their dissemination. In order to improve the moral and 
spiritual condition of the mariners of England it began the dis- 
tribution of books and tracts to them, and the records of the 
Society contain numerous acknowledgments thereof by famous 
sea-fighters of the past, from Sir George Rooke hero of Gibral- 
tar to Admiral Lord Nelson hero of Trafalgar. The Society 
early took up the problem of the reforming of Newgate and the 
other prisons in and about London, 4 and through its efforts the 
conscience of the nation was awakened out of its indifference to 
such matters. The Society became a friend to the Reformed 
Communities on the Continent in their struggles for life. When 
the Crown of England secured a part of the Salzburg emigrants 
for its domain in Georgia, the S. P. C. K. collected, between 
1731 and 1734, nearly £5,000 for them. 5 This was the beginning 
of an interest in the settlement in Georgia that continued until 
the separation of the colonies from the mother-country by 
means of which salaries for missionaries and schoolmasters were 
secured to the emigrants. As early as 1710 the Society began 
work in the East Indies, by assisting the Danish missions there 



3 S. P. C. K. Minute-book. 1698-1706, March 8, 1698-9. 

4 A report containing vigorous proposals was presented at the meeting of February 
22, 1699-1700. It is printed in Allen and McClure, op. cit., p. 54 fl. 

5 Attached to a "circular letter" of the S. P. O. K., Oct. 4, 1734, in behalf of the 
Salzburg emigrants, there is an "account of the Money Received and Disbursed by 
the Trustees for receiving Benefactions etc." Prom this it appears that £314 were 
already advanced to a "Conductor, Two Ministers, and the Schoolmaster," and that 
£2237 had been invested "to secure the Payment of 901. per ann. Salaries to the 
Two Ministers and Schoolmaster," sent out to Ebenezer in Georgia. Prom, the 
Sloane Mss., British Museum, 4053, fol. 278. 



18 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

with funds, and then by taking over these missions entirely 
about 1728. It continued such support till the S. P. G. under- 
took the charge in 1825. 

The educational work of the Society, however, made up the 
most important part of its operations for the first century. It 
was, indeed, the first society in Great Britain which came for- 
ward to advocate and support the general education of the 
people. In accordance with the resolution of the first meeting 
it was ordered on the 10th of March, that a form of subscription 
be prepared for circulating in the parishes and, therewith, a form 
to insure a more dependable and permanent fund. Four days 
later the following "forms" were reported and approved of: 

"The Form of Subscription to ye Charity Schools Erected or Promoted by 
the Honble. Society, &c. : — 

"Whereas it is evident to common observation, That the growth of vice 
and debauchery is greatly owing to the gross ignorance of the principles of 
the Christian Religion, especially among the poorer sort. And also whereas 
Christian vertue can grow from no other root than Christian Principles, we 
whose names are underwritten, inhabitants of the Parish of [ ] in the 

County of [ ], being touched with zeal for the honour of God, the 

salvation of the souls of our poor brethren, and the Promoting of Christian 
Knowledge among the poor of this Parish, do hereby promise to pay yearly 
during pleasure, by four equal quarterly payments, viz., at Michaelmas, 
Christmas, Lady-day, and Mid-summer, such respective sums as we have 
hereunto subscribed for and towards the setting up a School within this 
Parish for teaching poor Children (whose parents are not able to afford them 
any education) to read and write, and to repeat and understand the Church 
Catechism according to the Rules and Orders lately printed and published 
by the direction of the Honble. Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge. 

"As witness our hands this [ ] day of [ ] Anno Domini. " 

"The Form of Insurance of Charity Schools. 

"We whose names are" underwritten having agreed to promote the setting 
up of Schools for Instructing Poor Children in the Principles of Christianity 
in the several Parishes where they are most wanted in and about the City of 
London, and having also to that purpose agreed to provide a sum of money 
to be imployed by way of insurance for ye encouragement of such well-dis- 
posed persons as shall undertake to set up the same in such methods as we 
shall from time to time direct. Now we do hereby further agree that we will 
severally pay the respective sums which we have hereunto subscribed (to be 
disposed of according to the discretion of this Society) to the Treasurer for 
the time being, who shall or may receive the same (or such part thereof as the 
Society shall think necessary to be raised) on demand, and shall and may 
dispose of and lay out y e same accordingly. " 6 

Even before this Col. Colchester had been " desired to find out 
three persons to begin an endeavour of setting up Schools in 

6 S. P. C. K. Minute-book, 1698-1706, March 16, 169S-9. Printed in Allen andi 
McClure, op. cit., p. 27. The term "Charity Schools" is used here for the first time 
in the Society's Minutes. 



The Work of the S. P. C. K. at Home and Abroad 1& 

three Parishes," 7 and nearly every succeeding meeting devoted 
a large proportion of its time to the work of religious education 
of the poor. By the end of November, 1699, more than two 
thousand children 8 were being cared for in the charity schools. 
The Society thereupon appealed for a nation-wide movement 
on the part of the. Clergy, doing this by means of the following 
document : 

"The First Circular Letter from the Honourable Society for Promoting 
Christian Knowledge to their Clergy Correspondents in the several Counties 
of England and Wales. 9 

"The visible decay of Religion in this Kingdom, with the monstrous in- 
crease of Deism, Prophaneness, and Vice, has excited the zeal of several 
persons of the best character, in the Cities of London and Westminister, and 
other parts of the nation, to associate themselves in order to consult together 
how to put a stop to so fatal an inundation. 

"The cause thereof they believe in great measure to arise from the bar- 
barous ignorance observable among the common people, especially those of 
the poorer sort, and this to proceed from want of due care in the education 
of the Youth, who, if early instructed in the Principles of true Religion, sea- 
soned with the knowledge of God, and a just concern for their everlasting 
welfare, cou'd not possibly (with the ordinary Assistance of God's good 
Spirit) degenerate into such vile and unChristian practices as they now gen- 
erally do. 

"To remedy these Evils, which cry aloud to Heaven for vengeance, they 
have agreed to use their best endeavours to incline the hearts of generous 
and well-dispos'd persons to contribute toward the erecting of Schools in 
these Cities, and the parts adjacent, for the instruction of such poor Chil- 
dren in Reading, Writing, and in the Catechism, whose Parents or Rela- 
tions are not able to afford them the ordinary means of Education; and as 
they look upon this to be the most effectual method to train up the poorer 
sort in sobriety and ye knowledge of Christian Principles, so they assure 
themselves that the good effects which may be wrought thereby will prove 
a powerful! argument to engage others in better circumstances to make so 
necessary a provision for their children. 

"The success of this undertaking (whereby the education of above two 
thousand poor Children is already taken care for) encourages them to hope 
that, if the like industry and application were observ'd in the other parts of 
this Kingdom, the Children and Youth might be universally well principled, 
and the growing generation make a conscience of fearing God; and these 
hopes have induced them to use their utmost endeavours to prevail with all 
pious and well-inclined Christians in ye several parts of y e nation to joyn 
their hearts and purses in advancing to perfection so excellent and glorious a 
work. " 9 

Through this and succeeding appeals the Church was gradually 
impressed with its own responsibility for a system of national 
education on a religious basis. It assumed the responsibility 
and, under the leadership of the S. P. C. K., developed a system 



7 S. P. C. K. Minute-book, op. cit., March 12, 1698-9. 

8 See the following " Circular Letter. " 

9 Adopted by the Society Nov. 16, 1699. Printed in Allen and McClure, op. cit.; 
p. 43. 



20 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

of Church schools that were thus maintained through the seven- 
teenth century and until the work was taken over, in 1811, by 
"The National Society for the Education of the Poor in the 
Principles of the Established Church throughout England and 
Wales," known by the shorter name of "National Society." 

By 1704 there had been established 54 charity schools in 
London and Westminister, and within ten miles thereof. In 
them, 1386 boys and 745 girls were enrolled 10 of whom 306 boys 
and 75 girls were put out apprentices. In 1708 there were 74 
schools and 5706 boys and girls. 11 In the next decade the schools 
had increased to 1358 (in London 127, in other parts of Great 
Britain and Ireland 1231) with 28,610 children (in London 5109, 
in other parts, etc., 23,501). 12 In 1728, the statistics showed 
132 schools for London, 1279 for South Britain, 78 for North 
Britain, and 161 for Ireland. This made a total of 1650 schools 
with 34,051 children of whom 7079 were girls. 13 And in 1742 
the movement had grown to 133 schools for London, 1329 for 
South Britain, 131 for North Britain, 128 for Wales, and 186 for 
Ireland. Thus the total for this year was 1907 schools, with 
43,847 children of whom 6664 were girls. 14 Doubtless the edu- 
cational work of the Society had within fifty years grown to be 
the most significant movement of its kind in any country. The 
report of 1711 shows how far-reaching the Society's influence 
had become, the movement having been taken up in various 
parts of Northern Europe, as well as in America. The report 
adds: "Some of our preceding Anniversary Charity-Sermons, 
and Accounts of Charity-Schools, have been translated, by a 
very eminent Hand, into High-Dutch, and two Charity-Schools 
have already been set up at Copenhagen on the Model of ours, 
and Endeavours are using to do the like in several Parts of Ger- 



io An Account of Charity Schools 1704, — Sion College Archives, 42: F: 2, No. 1. 
This list of 54 contains some schools that were set up before the Society organized, 
probably by private initiative as the same account shows: "All the Schools above- 
mentioned have been set up within the space of Eight Years last past except that in 
Norton-Polgate, and 1 of the 3 in St. Margaret, Westminister which were set up about 
3 or 4 years before. " In the Account of Charity Schools, 1718, it is stated that Blue- 
Coat School in St. Margaret was set up Lady Day (March 25th) 1688 for 50 boys, and 
Norton-Folgate School in 1691 for 60 boys. — Sion College Archives, 43 : F: 3, No. 6. 

n Account of Charity Schools 1708, Sion College Archives, 43: F: 2, No. 3. 

nibid., 1718 — 43: F: 3, No. 6. 

13 Ibid., 1728 — 43: F: 23, No. 11. 

14 Ibid., 1742 — 43 : E : 10, No. 5. Eighteen of the Irish schools are herein reported 
as being "encouraged by Royal bounty of £1000 per Ann." It was impossible for 
the writer to make a complete search through the enormous masses of bound pamph- 
lets of Sion College Library. However, he succeeded in finding 20 reports for years 
between 1704 and 1742. 



The Work of the S. P. C. K. at Home and Abroad 21 

many and Switzerland. It is inexpressible, with what Zeal and 
Application, the Religious Education and Catechizing of Chil- 
dren has been of late promoted in other Protestant Countries 
beyond the Seas." 15 Work similar to that of the S. P. C. K. 
was set on foot in Scotland about 1709, 16 and there is no doubt 
that school support in America by the S. P. G. received great 
stimulus from its sister organization. 

The initial expense of the schools was met by the members 
of the Society but subscriptions soon came in which by the end 
of the first year amounted to £450. By 1704 annual subscrip- 
tions had grown to £2164 and individual schools had received 
benefactions from private donors in the sum of £3202. Ad- 
ditional revenue came from special collections made in the 
churches annually on a day set aside for the preaching of 
"Charity Sermons." In 1704 this amounted to £1042. The 
funds had doubled by 1708 and were gathered from the same 
sources. We learn that in 1717 the workmen in county Dur- 
ham "allow one farthing and an half per shilling, per week, 
which together with their master's contribution, maintains their 
poor, and affords about £17 per annum for teaching their chil- 
dren to read." 17 But this type of contribution could not have 
been frequent. The great body of the fund represents the phil- 
anthropic activity of the upper classes in behalf of the poor. 
From the 1704 report we learn that, "The ordinary Charge of a 
School for 50 Boys Cloath'd comes to about 75 1 p. ann. for which 
a School-Room, Books, and Firing are provided, a Master paid, 
and to each Boy is given yearly, 3 Bands, 1 Cap, 1 Coat, 1 pair 
of Stockings, and 1 pair of Shoes"; and "For 50 Girls, 60 1 p. 
ann. etc. . . . and to each is given yearly, 2 coyfs, 2 Bands, 
1 Gown and Petticoat, 1 pair of Knit-Gloves, 1 pair of Stock- 
ings, and 2 pair of Shoes." 18 Details of the cost of clothing 
the children are given in various reports; that for 1710 is as 
follows : 

"The Charge of Cloathing a Poor Boy of a Charity School in London. 19 

£ s d 

I Yard and half quarter of Grey Yorkshire Broad Cloth 6 

quarters wide, makes a coat 00 03 00 



15 From report of Society for 1711, printed in Allen and McClure, op. tit., pp. 122-3. 
is Ibid.; also, Sloane Mss., British Museum, 4051, fol. 313; also, Lambeth Mss., 
1123, a copy of which is in Hawk's Transcripts, G. C. 
17 Account of Charity Schools, 1717. 

is Account of Charity Schools, 1704 — Sion College Archives, 43 : F: 2, No. 1. 
19 Quoted by Allen and McClure, op. tit., p. 141. 



22 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Making the Coat with Pewter Buttons and all other materials . 00 01 00 

A Waistcoat of the same Cloth lined 00 03 06 

A pair of Breeches of Cloth or Leather lined 00 02 06 

1 Knit Cap, with Tuft and String, of any Colour 00 00 10 

1 Band 00 00 02 

1 Shirt 00 01 06 

1 Pair of Woollen Stockings 00 00 08 

1 Pair of Shoes 00 01 10 

1 Pair of Buckles 00 00 01 

00 15 01 

"The Charge of Cloathing a Poor Girl of a Charity School in London. 

£ s d 
3 Yards and half of blue long Ells, about Yard wide at 16d. p. 

Yard makes a Gown and Petticoat 00 04 08 

Making thereof, Strings, Body-lining, and other Materials . .00 01 00 

A Coif and Band of Scotch Cloth plain with a Border 00 00 09 

A Shift 00 01 06 

A pair of Leather Bodice and Stomacher 00 02 06 

1 Pair of Woollen Stockings 00 00 08 

1 Pair of Shoes 00 01 08 

1 Pair of Buckles 00 00 01 

00 12 10 

School inspection began by the appointment of agents whose 
primary duties were to assist in the setting up of the schools. 
They made reports weekly. 20 Then the Society sought the as- 
sistance of the Bishop of London for directing Parochial min- 
isters "frequently to catechise" the children. 21 In 1700 Rev. 
Mr. Coghan was elected "Inspector of all the Charity Schools 
in and about London and Westminister" at a salary of £20 a 
year. 22 Thus the inspection was to be done by the parish clergy 
and, in large centres, by a minister specially designated, a work 
which seems to have been conscientiously looked after through- 
out all sections. Rules and orders for Charity Schools are found 
in the accounts of 1704. 23 The qualifications required a master 
to be "a Member of the Church of England, of a sober Life and 
Conversation, not under the Age of 25 Years; one that frequents 
Holy Communion, one that hath a good government of himself 
and his Passions; one who understands well the Grounds and 
Principles of the Christian Religion, and is able to give a good 
account thereof to the Minister of the Parish, or Ordinary, on 

20 The first report occurs May 18, 1699. See S. P. O. K. Minute-book, 1698- 
1706, under this date. 

21 Ibid., Nov. 30, 1699. 

22 Ibid., Jan. 13, 1700-1. 

23 sion College Archives, 43: F: 2, No. 1. Dr. Bray was requested to formulate 
and bring in the first orders March 16, 1698-9. S. P. C. K. Minute-book, 1698- 
1706. 



The Work of the S. P. C. K. at Home and Abroad 23 

Examination; of a good Genius for Teaching; one who can write 
a good Hand, and who understands the Grounds of Arithme- 
tic^ " He must keep school "from 7 to 11 in the Morning, 
and from 1 to 5 in the Evening, in the Summer half- Year; from 
8 to 11 in the Morning, and from 1 to 4 in the Evening, the 
Winter half-year." Three holidays a year were allowed "at 
the usual Festivals and by no means during Bartholomew Fair 
for fear of any harm by ill examples, " and the regulations held 
that "a Register of Attendance is to be kept and the Tardy as 
well as the Absent is to be noted." Orders were also given con- 
cerning the curriculum. The Master must "teach them the 
true Spelling of Words and distinction of Syllables, with Points 
and Stops." "As soon as the boys can read competently well, 
the Master shall teach them to write a fair legible hand, with 
the grounds of Arithmetick, to fit them for Service or Appren- 
tices." The girls were "to learn to read etc., and generally to 
knit their stockings and gloves, to mark, sew, make and mend 
their Cloathes, several to learn to write, and some to spin their 
Cloathes." Instruction in Church Catechism came twice a 
week, when it was required that the Master "shall first teach 
them to pronounce distinctly and plainly; and then, in order to 
practice, shall explain it to the Meanest Capacity, by the help 
of The Whole Duty of Man, or some good Exposition approved 
by the Minister." To guard their manners and behaviour he 
was "to correct the beginnings of Lying, Swearing, Cursing, 
Taking God's name in Vain, and the Prophanation of the Lord's 
Day." The children were to be "brought to Church by the 
Master twice every Lord's Day and Holy Day." It was fur- 
ther maintained that "they are always to have ready their Bibles, 
bound up with the Common Prayer. When a sufficient number 
know the Catechism, he is to give notice to the Minister, so that 
they may be catechized in the Church." Finally, "Prayers are 
to be said in School, Morning and Evening, and the children are 
to be taught to pray at home, when they rise and when they go 
to Bed, and to use Graces before and after Meat." 

In the beginning the Society took up the work of publishing 
Christian literature, 24 circulating the same through gifts out- 
right and through the setting up of libraries in the parishes. 25 



24 S. P. C. K. Minute-book, 1698-1706, March 10, 1698-9. 

25 S. P. C. K. Minute-book, 1698-1706, Dec. 3, 1699. 



24 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Books for the Charity Schools were included among the rest. 
Distribution was gratis at first and continued to be so where 
means of purchasing were wanting. Large quantities of Bibles, 
New Testaments, Prayer-books, elementary books of instruc- 
tion and tracts were thus provided for the schools. After 1703 
effort was made to get a partial return for the books, and small 
rates, less than cost price, were charged to places that were in a 
position to contribute something. Catalogues of the Society's 
publications were issued as early as 1706 and prices ranged from 
a few pence to four and five shillings. There were two marked 
exceptions, viz.: "A Quarto Bible with a Chronological Table" 
was worth 18 shillings and "Philips's English Dictionary" was 
worth 16 shillings. In the Accounts for the Years 1713 and 
1715, 26 as well as for succeeding years, there appear two inter- 
esting lists that show the range of the Society's publications, 
and the large number of books made available for the use of the 
schools. The first is, "A Catalogue of Books fit to be put into 
the Hands of Masters of Charity Schools." Following a con- 
siderable list of doctrinal works, there are a number of treatises 
directly applicable to the instruction of youth in Christian prin- 
ciples and secular knowledge, for example: — 

"The Christian Monitor. Price 3d. 

Professor Franck's account of the Hospital at Halle, intituled Pietas Hallen- 
sis. Price 3d. 

Munro's Just Measures of the pious Institution of Youth, 2 Vol. Pr. 9s. 

Mr. Talbot's Christian School-Master. Price 2s. 

The Christian Education of Children. Price Is. 

A Method for Instruction of Children and Youth. Price 4d. 

Sermons at the Anniversary Meeting of the Charity-Schools in London. 

Disney's First and Second Essay concerning the Execution of the Laws 
against Immorality and Profaneness. Price 5s. 6d. 

Philip's English Dictionary. Price 16s. Or, The Abridgment of it. 
Price 5s. 6d. 

Mr. Turner's Spelling-Book, and English Grammar. Price Is. 6d. 

Mr. Snell's New Copy-Book. Price 5s. 

John Johnson's Arithmetick. 

Hatton's Arithmetick. Price 4s. 

Vernon's Compleat Counting-House. Price 9d. 

Ayre's Youth's Introduction to Trade." 

The second list contains books prescribed for the use of the 
scholars, as follows: — 

"Books Proper to be Used in Charity Schools. 27 
"A Bible, Testament and Common-Prayer Book. 



26 Sion College Archives, 43: F: 1. 

27 These lists are printed in Allen and McClure, op. cit., pp. 186-7. 



The Work of the S. P. C. K. at Home and Abroad 25 

The Church-Catechism. 

The Church-Catechism broke into short Questions. 

Lewis's Exposition of the Church-Catechism. 

Worthington's Scripture-Catechism. 

The first Principles of practical Christianity. 

Dr. Woodward's Short Catechism, with an Explanation of divers hard 
Words. 

New Method of Catechizing. 

Prayers for the Charity-Schools. 

The Christian Scholar. 

An Exercise for Charity-Schools upon Confirmation. 

Pastoral advice before, and after Confirmation. 

The Whole Duty of Man by Way of Question and Answer. 

Abridgement of the History of the Bible, which may be well bound up at 
the Beginning of the Bible, or at the end. 

The Anatomy of Orthography: Or, a practical Introduction to the Art 
of Spelling and Reading English. 

The Duty of Public Worship proved, &c. 

Lessons for Children, Historical and Practical &c. 

Hymns for the Charity-Schools." 

Later reports show a number of additions to these lists, those 
of a secular nature being: 

"Archbishop Wake's Commentary on the Church-Catechism. 
Monro's Essay on Christ and Education. 
Dr. Talbot's Christian Schoolmaster. 
An Exercise against Lying. 

An Exercise against Taking God's Name in Vain. 

The Way of Living in a Method and by Rule; Or a Regular Way of Em- 
ploying our Time. 

The Devout Psalmodist. "» 

Throughout the period of S. P. C. K. support and long after the 
National Society took charge of the schools, they were sup- 
plied with books by the former society, either at an exceedingly 
low rate or else by free grant. 

The interest of the S. P. C. K. in the Plantations was 
awakened at the outset, as is shown by one of the Society's first 
resolves. 29 Shortly thereafter Dr. Bray had submitted, "A Gen- 
eral View of what has appeared to me to be wanting for the 
Propagating Christian Knowledge in the Plantations, so far as 
hitherto and at this distance I can give an estimate." The 
things "wanting," in Bray's estimation were: (1) To fix Paro- 
chial Libraries as an encouragement to Clergymen, the same to 
be stocked almost wholly with religious treatises. (2) "To give 
further means of Instruction and Edification to the people in the 
Plantations, it is requisite there should be considerable quan- 



28 From an Account of Charity Schools, 1727 — Archives of Sion College Library, 
43: E: 9, No. 11. 

29 See p. 17. 



26 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

tities sent of practical Books to be distributed gratis amongst 
ym." (3) "To train up their youth in the knowledge of Christ, 
Catechetical Free Schools for ye Education of the Children of 
the Poorest Planters appears highly expedient." (4) To make 
suitable provision for the wives and Children of Missionaries 
who die in the service. (5) "To reduce the Quakers, who are 
so numerous in those parts, to the Christian Faith, from which 
they are totally Apostatiz'd" by means of special missionaries 
to them. (6) "And lastly, in order to convert the Indian Na- 
tions, it seems a likely method, could there be provision for the 
Education of some of their Youth in Schools for that purpose, 
who, after a thorough Instruction in the Christian Faith, might 
be sent back amongst their own natives, as ye properest persons 
to convert them and to deale with them for their soul's good." 

The Minutes of the first two years and more show a constant 
desire to support Dr. Bray in his colonial schemes. The per- 
sonal debt incurred by him was assumed by the Society. This 
amounted to £631. M Additional money was collected and 
packets of books were dispatched across the sea. 31 Writing to 
the Governor of Virginia, Mr. Chamberlayne, the secretary, 
says, "The main part of their Design, with relation to America, 
is to assist Dr. Bray in Raising of Libraries for the Clergy, and 
in Distributing practicall Books amongst the Laity." 32 But 
more than this, a start was made in sending missionaries. On 
March 17, 1700-1 "Dr. Bray reported that 9 Missionaries to the 
Plantations are in a very fair way of being completed, £400 per 
annum being already subscribed, besides £50 extraordinary." 33 

Support of schools in the colonies was not taken up, however, 
the Society having its resources fully taxed with such work as it 
did undertake. Yet it is evident that schools were to be en- 
couraged in time. In an attempt to secure the cooperation of 
American Merchants and Planters in the Society's work, the 
secretary solicited, among others, Mr. Elias Neau, merchant of 
New York, for assistance. He said, in part, 

"The success of this undertaking (that is, the work of the S. P. C. K. in 
England), whereby the Education of so many Thousands of poor Children 



30 s. P. C. K. Minute-book. 1698-1706, June 8, 1699 and Nov. 9, 1699. 

31 Ibid. Aug. 17; Sep. 1, 21; Oct. 5, 12; and Nov. 30, 1699. Sep. 12, 19; Oct. 10; 
and Dec. 16, 23, 1700. March 17, 24, 1700-1; Apr. 21, Aug. 5, 1701. 

32 By order of the Society, Oct. 3, 1700. 

33 s. P. C. K. Minute-book, 1698-1706, under date given. 



The Work of the S. P. C. K. at Home and Abroad 27 

is already taken care for, encourages them to hope that, if the like Industry 
and application were but observed in our Plantations, the Children and Ser- 
vants of our Merchants and Planters in those parts might be universally 
better principled and Instructed, and the growing generation make a con- 
science of fearing God, with not only their Children, but likewise with all 
their servants, too many of which at present are designedly kept in profound 
Ignorance by their unchristian Masters and Governours, to the great scandall 
of the Reformed Religion. Little do such prophane persons think what a 
dreadful account they have to give when inquisition shall be made for the 
blood of those poor creatures' souls at the great day of Retribution. 

The Progress which this Society has made for Propagating Christian 
Knowledge in our Plantations appears by the noble Provision of Books for 
ye Clergy in those parts (whereof the World has had already an acco* in 
Print), and that so blessed a Worke may not fail of success they are soliciting 
further benefactions for supplying from time to time what shall be wanting 
to accomplish it, and they do not in ye least doubt of your best Endeavours 
to procure what Assistance you can from ye Merchants and Planters in yo r 
neighbourhood and acquaintance, and to send us the names of such persons 
as you apprehend may be willing to Joyne with you and us in so noble and 
Christian an undertaking." 34 

Before any definite action on schools could be taken plans were 
set on foot for the incorporation of the S. P. G. On October 
28, 1701 the Society's activity in America practically came to 
an end, it having been "Resolved that from henceforwards the 
usuall Subscriptions to the Plantations shall cease." 35 Packets 
of books continued to be sent over or were put into the hands of 
the S. P. G. missionaries before their departure. They were 
usually of the value of one or two pounds. This and the as- 
sistance rendered the emigrants to Georgia, 36 between 1732 and 
the Revolution, complete the record of the work of the S. P. C. 
K. in what is now the United States. 



34 Letter written October, 1700. Quoted by Allen and McClure, op. cit., p. 227. 

35 s. P. C. K. Minute-book 1698-1706, under date given. This, of course, was ow- 
ing to the chartering of the S. P. G. 

36 See p. 17. 



CHAPTER III 

THE FOUNDING AND GENERAL WORK OF THE S. P. G. 

"The Society for the Propagation of the Gospell in Forreigne 
Parts" was incorporated by Royal charter granted by William 
the Third, June 16, 1701. The preamble of the instrument 
recites the reasons for incorporating and the purposes of the 
corporation in general rather than specific terms: 

"Whereas Wee are credibly informed that in many of our Plantacons, 
Colonies, and Factories beyond the seas, belonging to Our Kingdome of Eng- 
land, the Provision for Ministers is very mean. And many others of our 
said Plantacons, Colonies, and Factories are wholy destitute, and unprovided 
of a Mainteynance for Ministers, and the Public Worship of God; and for 
Lack of Support and Mainteynance for such, many of our Loving Subjects 
doe want the Administration of God's Word and Sacraments, and seem to 
be abandoned to Atheism and Infidelity and alsoe for Want of Learned and 
Orthodox Ministers to instruct Our said Loving Subjects in the Principles 
of true Religion, divers Romish Priests and Jesuits are the more encouraged 
to pervert and draw over Our said Loving Subjects to Popish Superstition 
and Idolatry. 

"And Whereas Wee think it Our Duty as much as in Us lyes, to promote 
the Glory of God, by the Instruccon of Our People in the Christian Religion 
And that it will be highly conducive for accomplishing those Ends, that a 
sufficient Mainteynance be provided for an Orthodox Clergy to live amongst 
them, and thai such other Provision be made, as may be necessary for the Propa- 
gation of the Gospell in those Parts: 

"And Whereas Wee have been well assured, That if Wee would be gra- 
tiously pleased to erect and settle a Corporacon for the receiving, manageing, 
and disposeing of the Charity of Our Loving Subjects, divers Persons would be 
induced to extend their Charity to the Uses and Purposes aforesaid. " x 

The fact is to be noted, that such other provision as might 
be necessary, in addition to the maintenance of clergy, was 
made a fundamental object of the organization. It seems to 
have been an elastic clause that had in view the extension to 
the colonies of much of the work of the S. P. C. K. in England, 
and the furthering of the work of Dr. Bray in the Plantations. 
The charter incorporated 94 members, more than half of whom 
represented the leading dignitaries of the Church. All of the 



1 The charter in full is printed in, Pascoe, op. cit., p. 932. Italics not in original 

28 



m 



The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 29 

original founders of the S. P. C. K. were in the list of charter 
members as, indeed, were practically all of the active members 
of the latter society and many of its corresponding members. 2 
In the first hundred years the membership rose to 300 and was 
for some time limited to that number. During the nineteenth 
century it grew to 6000. Broad powers were conferred on the 
Society, as is shown by the section of the charter relating there- 
to: 

"And Wee further Will, and by these Presents for Us, Our Heires and Suc- 
cessors doe Ordaine and Grant unto the said Society for the Propagation of 
the Gospell in Forreigne Parts, and their Successors That they, and their 
Successors, or the major Part of them who shall be present at the first and 
second Meeting of the said Society, or at any Meeting on the Third Friday 
in the Months of November, February, May, and August, yearely for ever, 
and at noe other Meetings of the said Society, shall and may Consult, De- 
termine, Constitute, Ordaine, and Make any Constitutions, Laws, Ordi- 
nances and Statutes whatsoever; as alsoe to execute Leases for Yeares, as 
aforesaid, which to them, or the major Part of them then present shall seem 
reasonable, profitable, or requisite, for, touching or concerning the Good 
Estate, Rule, Order and Government of the said Corporation and the more 
efectuall promoteing the said Charitable Designes: All which Lawes, Ordi- 
nances, and Constitucons, soe to be made ordained and established, as afore- 
said, Wee Will, Command, and Ordaine, by these Presents, for Us, Our 
Heires, and Successors, to be from Time to Time and at all Times hereafter 
kept and performed in all Things as the same ought to be, on the Penalties 
and Amercements in the same to be imposed and limited, soe as the same 
Lawes, Constitucons, Ordinances, Penalties, and Amercements, be reason- 
able, and not repugnant or contrary to the Laws and Statutes of this Our 
Piealme of England." 

The business of the Society was to be transacted at monthly 
meetings but it soon became necessary to facilitate work by the 
appointment of a cjmmittee whose duties should be, "to receive 
proposals that may be offered to them for the Promoting the 
designs of this Society, and to prepare matters for the considera- 
tion of the Society." 3 This body became known as the "Stand- 
ing Committee" 4 and became the quasi-executive head of the 
Society. The monthly meetings on the other hand represented a 
council for adopting or rejecting the committee's proposals. 6 

The funds of the Society began with a donation of £56 plus, 
subscribed by 12 members. It was used to cover the expense 
of getting the charter passed. On Oct. 17, 1701 a form of sub- 



's. P. O. K. Minute-book 1698-1706, Nov. 4 and 18, 1701; compare also with 
S. P. G. Charter. 

» S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 39, March 6, 1702-3. 

* June 18, 1703, — S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 109. 

s Essentially every measure adopted for the American colonies was initiated by 
the Standing Committee and then submitted for final action. Very few recommen- 
dations were ever rejected by the Society. 



30 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

scription was drawn up which soon netted over £184. 6 Imme- 
diately following, subscription rolls were circulated throughout 
England and, by the end of 1701, £204 7 had been subscribed. 
This form of fund-gathering was carried on yearly and brought 
in sums ranging from £500 to £950. Besides this private bene- 
factors (members of Royalty and outsiders, as well as members 
of the Society) made frequent donations which far exceeded the 
subscriptions. In 1701, for instance, £1332 were acquired in 
this manner. For a decade thereafter the "donations" were 
comparatively small. In 1713, there was recorded £1610, and 
from 1717 on to the end of the century the median for this par- 
ticular source of revenue was £2000. The general fund was 
considerably augmented by public house to house collections 
for which Royal Letters were issued on six different occasions in 
the eighteenth century. By such means the Society collected 
in the reign of Queen Anne, £3060 (1711) and £3887 (1714); in 
the reign of George I, £3727 (1718); in that of George II, £15,278 
(1741) and £19,786 (1751) ; and in that of George III, £19,372 
(1779). Special funds began to be received from 1713 on and 
came in steadily. The median for these was about £1500 an- 
nually. They were different from the general fund in that they 
were fixed by their donors for specific benefactions and had to 
be so administered. Yet one other source of revenue remains 
to be mentioned, — the interest from the funds themselves. The 
expenditures for the first half century taxed the income to the 
utmost, but after that, through timely investments, funds began 
to be dividend-producing. In this way over £21,000 had been 
added to the general fund by 1780. During the same period 
(1701-1780), when interest was centred for the most part in the 
colonies that formed the American union, the entire collections 
reached the sum of £392,804. The entire expenditures, on the 
other hand, were £349,433, two-thirds of which represented the 
Society's benefactions in the said colonies. 

For over two hundred years the S. P. G. has been engaged in 
a work of evangelization that ranks as the greatest in point of 
accomplishment and as the most extensive in all history. Not 



6 S. P. G. Journal, Sept. 19, & Oct. 17, 1701 — printed in Classified Digest, op. cit.> 
p. 822. 

v For this and the following statistics, I am indebted to the Table of Income and 
Expenditure 1701-1893, given in Classified Digest, op. cit., pp. 830-32; also in Pas- 
coe, op. cit., pp. 830-32; see also Humphreys, op. cit., pp. V-Vl. 



The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 31 

only has it been active in every province where the British flag: 
has gone, but its succor has been vouchsafed to nearly every 
country in Europe where it has been sought. Its work and in- 
fluence have been tremendous and far-reaching. The primary 
object has been, from the start, the spread of the Church of 
England and its doctrines. In English territory the goal has 
been more extreme, — that of making the Church the dominating 
influence religiously, thus carrying out and securing, as far as- 
possible, the fundamental belief in Church establishment. Vari- 
ous lines of activity have been adopted to effect this purpose in 
the two and more centuries. Chiefly they have been: (1) the 
providing of Missionaries under Church Orders; (2) the establish- 
ment of Church organizations; (3) the inculcating and keeping 
alive the doctrines of the Church, and the feeding of the Mis- 
sions by means of (a) distribution of Church literature, and (b) 
the support of schools; (4) the distribution of libraries to the 
missionaries for their better equipment; and (5) the assisting 
and founding of colleges to insure the supplying of a trained 
clergy. 

Throughout its existence the Society has been devoted to the 
welfare of colonial settlers and "heathen natives" alike. This 
twofold aim was stated in the first anniversary sermon preached 
before the Society by the Dean of Lincoln. He therein said: 

" The design is, in the first place to settle the State of Religion as well as 
may be among our own People there, which by all accounts we have, very 
much wants their Pious care: and then to proceed in the best Methods they 
can towards the Conversion of the Natives." 8 

In 1710 there was a temporary departure from the design thus 
laid down. Resolutions were passed purporting that the work 
of propagating the Gospel "does chiefly and principally relate 
to the conversion of heathens and infidels" and declaring a 
stop to the sending of missionaries to new fields among 
the Christians. 9 An exclusive policy such as this would have 
been was not pursued, though increased efforts were made for 
some time in behalf of the Indians and Negroes. The resolu- 
tion, however, gave a basis for some of the opposition which the 



s S. P. G. Anniversary Sermon, 1702, p. 17. Italics not in original. 

9 April 28, 1710, printed in Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 69. The action thus taken 
was the result of a wave of interest in the Indians, created at London, by the visit 
of four Indian Sachems, their object being to solicit the aid of Queen Anne in further- 
ing religious instruction among them. 



32 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Society met with in New England and elsewhere a few decades 
later. 10 

The first missionaries were sent over in 1702, going to the 
Carolinas, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and New 
England. From then until 1785 the Missionary Roll shows a 
list of 309 men employed in that field of the Society's service. 
New York received the largest number for any single colony, 
namely, 58, Pennsylvania including Delaware 47, and New 
Jersey 44. Thus nearly half of them labored in the middle 
colonies. The southern colonies were assisted to the number of 
107, of which South Carolina got 54, North Carolina 33, and 
Georgia 13. 11 The New England colonies received 84. 12 
Throughout the century the provisions made for the support and 
equipment of these 309 disciples of the Church occupied by far 
the greatest portion of the Society's time, and required the 
major part of its funds. 

In addition to the salaries vouchsafed, 13 there were frequent 
packets of books and tracts sent them both for their own use 
and for distribution among the people. Further, they were 
granted at the outset £10 in books and £5 in tracts. 14 And as 
an encouragement for their undertaking the voyage, they were 
allowed £20 from the Crown. Such a bounty was settled in the 
reign of Charles IP upon every minister and schoolmaster going 
to the colonies, and it was renewed by succeeding sovereigns. 16 

Provision for the religious instruction of the colonists was 
started about two years after sending out the first ministers. 
In 1703 a catechist for New York was appointed. 17 Early in 

io To be referred to in the following pages. 

11 The Society supported only 2 missionaries in Virginia and 5 in Maryland. This! 
with occasional grants of books, constituted all of their work in these two colonies. 
This was because they were so much better provided for in comparison with the dis- 
tressing Church conditions in the other colonies. For all of the figures quoted here, 
see the Missionary Roll of the Society, in Classified Digest, op. cit., pp. 849-56. 

12 Adding the numbers for the individual colonies gives a total of 340 and not 309- 
This is due to transfers from one colony to another, causing some names to be counted 
more than once. 

13 £40 or £50 sterling per annum, were usually allowed; sometimes less amounts. 

14 S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 109. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 47; ibid., A, 7, p. 82, 
showing a long list of the above sent to ministers and schoolmasters between 1704 
and 1712; ibid., A, 13, p. 34. So many instances of these gifts are found throughout 
the S. P. G. records that there can be no doubt of its being a general rule during 
the entire period. 

IB Humphrey, op. cit., p. 8. 

i» Fothergill, A list of Emigrant Ministers to America, 1690-1811, p. 10; Lans- 
downe Mss., British Museum, 8851, fol. 150 ff; Lambeth Mss., 1123, III, fol. 255 
(dated 1762). 

17 S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 98. The date is Jan. 15, 1702-03. The appointment was 
made for the province of New York, but more than a year elapsed before the cate- 
chist began his labors, which were confined to New York City rather than to the 
province as a whole. See S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 20. 



The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 33 

1705, '"A motion being made about an endeavour of erecting 
Charity Schools in the Plantations, Agreed that this motion be 
referred to the Committee & that it be an Instruction to consider 
of employing the widows of Clergymen in such Schools." 18 But 
no immediate action was taken on the motion and the Society's 
activity in this field remained much in abeyance for the first 
decade. The fact is attributable, not to indifference to the need 
of such work, but to the more urgent demands for setting upon 
a substantial footing the Church itself. In Bray's reports on 
colonial conditions, and in reports sent back by George Keith 
and the other pioneer missionaries, emphasis had been laid over 
and over again on the general neglect of worship according to 
the Church of England. 19 The same appeal for churches was 
stressed in the early petitions 20 which the Society received from 
settlements in various parts of the colonies and the income was 
inadequate to meet ail of these petitions. 21 

During the entire period of its work in the American colonies 
the Society became involved in various forms of controversy. 
After 1750 opposition increased in bitterness and became more 
general. In the Revolutionary years and for a few years pre- 
ceding, it grew to hatred of an intense degree, as both Church 
and Society naturally ranged themselves on the side of the 
Crown. Some of the controversies that arose were provoked by 
the Society's representatives or else by the Church party. It 
seems definitely clear that there were always representatives of 
the militant type 22 who gave strong color to suspicions of the 

18 March 16, 1704-5, S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 189. 

19 "Memorial Humbly Layd before his Grace the Lord ABp of Canterbury the 
Lord Bishop of London and the other Bishops of this Kingdom representing the pre- 
sent State of Religion in the Several Provinces on the Contint of North America in 
order to the Providing a sufficient Number of Proper Missionaries so absolutely 
Necessary to be Sent at this juncture into those Parts. "—Hawks Transcripts, G. O. 
This report is without signature or date but the context is convincing proof that it 
is by Dr. Bray. See also, extract from Keith's Journal, in Classified Digest, op. cit., 
pp. 10-11; letters of Keith Dec. 11, 1702, Hawks Transcripts, New York, I, p. 9; 
and Feb. 24, 1702-03 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, I, p. 87; also letter of John Bartow, 
Aug. 14, 1706, Hawks Transcripts, New York, I, p. 125; also letter of John Talbot, 
Sept. 1, 1703, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, I, p. 125; also letter from Gov. of New York, 
Apr. 27, 1699, in New York Colonial Documents, IV, p. 520. 

2 ° See for example the Salem, New Jersey, petition quoted in Classified Digest 
op. cit., pp. 53-^4, and the letter from the Vestry of Philadelphia, 1704, ibid., p. 34; 
also Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit., II, p. 5. 

« "Whereas it appears by the List of Missionaries & Schoolmasters that the an- 
nual charge of the Society to such Missionaries & Schoolmasters amounts to £1065 
& whereas the yearly subscriptions of the Society amounts to no more than £759. 
Committee agreed to move the Society to consider of some method to advance the 
income of the Society. " July 18, 1707, S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (86). 

22 "It must not be a blind, outrageous Zeal That will make Proselytes here . . . 
Nothing of what the Dissenters . . . imagine proceeds from a Spirit of Bitterness 
against 'em will ever do any good to the church .... Mr. Com mi ssary Price 
shows too much of this spirit in Preaching and Conversation." Extracts from a 
letter of Gov. Belcher of Mass. to the Bishop of London, July 24, 1731, Fulham 
Archives. 



34 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

non-conformists that the Church government in the colonies 
was bent on an establishment like that which the mother-church 
enjoyed in England. The Society at no time proclaimed such 
an aim, or any positive militancy, save probably towards the 
Quakers. Yet it is blameworthy to the extent that it did not 
sufficiently attempt to prevent over-zealousness and over-aggres- 
sion, 23 and to the extent, also, that it was apt to espouse quietly 
the cause of such of its militant representatives as appealed to 
England for assistance. On the other hand, the Dissenters, the 
Quakers, and most of the non-conforming sects, showed an open 
hostility to the success of the Society and the growth of the 
Church interest. They viewed each step taken by the Church 
party as a most objectionable attempt, either open or veiled, to 
advance Church establishment. 24 So that, through this means, 
frequent injustice was done the Society and the Church. 

Only a few of the incidents of these controversies can be noted 
here. When Keith, leading the first band of missionaries which, 
the S. P. G. sent out, began his labor in Boston, June 1702, he 
fortunately introduced a subtle invitation to controversy. He 
succeeded in stirring up Increase •; Mather, an Independent 
preacher. A short pamphlet war ensued, 25 which from this time 
on recurred intermittently between the opposing forces in all the 
colonies, particularly in New England and the middle colonies. 28 
The most conspicuous pamphlet war in New England was that 
of 1763-64 between Rev. Johnathan Mayhew, and East Apthorp, 
the Society's missionary at Cambridge. The former charged the 
S. P. G. with a departure from the original purpose of work on 



23 However it can be said that the Society did give definite instruction that the 
missionaries must give no offence "by intermeddling in affairs not relating to their 
own Calling and Function." See, Instruction for the Clergy, part 1, No. XI. Again 
in part 2, No. X, of the same, they are instructed to visit those Parishioners "that 
oppose us, or dissent from us, to convince and reclaim them, with a Spirit of Meekness 
and Gentleness. " These instructions are printed in Pascoe, op. cit., pp. 837-9. 

24 This hatred of Episcopacy is well illustrated by a cartoon reproduced in Perry, 
History of the Colonial Episcopal Church, I, p. 426. 

25 Keith's Journal, p. 2; quoted in Classified Digest, op. cit., pp. 41-42. 

26 Pamphlet controversies to judge from their frequency and the numerous issues 
from the press, evidently occupied much of the time and thought of New England 
in the eighteenth century. For a bibliography of these, reference may be made to 
"Archailogia Americana," VI, 307-661, which contains a catalogue of publications 
in what is now the United States, prior to 1775. The flood of tracts against the 
Church and the Society was the source of great annoyance to the missionaries. 
Their appeals for literature to offset the pernicious charges were almost constant 
between 1710 and 1775. See for example S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 19, pp. 243 and 
448. On the other hand the Society maintained a constant supply of writings in 
defense of the Church and its doctrine, and against the unorthodox sects. See S. P. G. 
Journals, I, p. (293); III, pp. 55, 71; IV, p. 179; VI, p. 49; VII, pp. 40, 262; VIII, 
pp. 112, 281; IX, p. 251. See also S. P. G. Letter-books, A, 10, p. 95; A, 19, p. 457; 
A, 25, p. 159; B, 11, p. 21; B, 12, p. 149; B, 13, pp. 26, 47, 62. 



The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 35 

the frontier among the Indians. 27 Apthorp successfully an- 
swered this. Mayhew further charged misrepresentation of 
colonial conditions on the part of the Society's missionaries re- 
garding their work and influence, and there was occasional basis 
for this, in spite of constant efforts by the Society to prevent 
it. 25 

Other animosities were engendered in New England the study 
of which shows that bigotry and sectarianism prevailed with 
both parties. New England printers refused to print the Church 
Catechism or other tracts, 29 making dependence on England a 
necessity in this respect. The schools of the Dissenters looked 
well to the preparing of children against the danger of conver- 
sion to Episcopacy. An observer of this jealous care on the part 
of the schools, writing to the Society, spoke of it as "The great 
veneration for the dissenting Religion and its Ministers, Cere- 
monies and Peculiarities, which is with Surprising and inde- 
fatigable Industry instill'd into their Children with every Part 
of their Education." 30 A strong sectarian spirit prevailed at 
Harvard and Yale. Episcopal students at Harvard were "much 
discouraged from coming to our worship on Sundays" and were 
threatened with being entirely restrained on the "only pretence, 
That they are hindered in their Studies by it." 31 This is less 
prejudiced in spirit, however, than the suggestion of the mis- 
sionary, George Keith, that "a President and two or three fel- 



27 The only possible basis for this has been referred to; see p. 31. The history 
and proceedings of the S. P. G. substantiate the denial made by Apthorp. 

28 A series of these controversial pamphlets by Mayhew and Apthorp are in the 
New York Historical Society Library bound in a volume entitled: Mayhew, "Select 
Tracts." Another list of them may be found in Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit., Ill, pp. 
688-90. A cargo of books for the spread of infidelity, the freight of which was £45, 
was imported from London about Dec. 1743,— S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 254. See also 
a letter of the Archbishop of Canterbury to Samuel Johnson against over-sanguine 
accounts by young missionaries, — Lambeth Mss. 1123, March 30, 1763; and a letter 
from this dignitary to Mr. Caner of Boston, — Ibid. A copy of each of these letters is 
in Hawks Transcripts, G. C. From the latter the following is quoted: "Nothing 
should be said against the Dissenters in general, but all endeavours used to satisfy 
them, that we desire only to make due provisions for the Members of our own Church 
and have no design to invade the rights or disturb the peace of theirs. Dr. May- 
hew's enormities should be set forth, not with bitterness but with mild expostulation, 
the Dissenters themselves should be begged to consider how much he wrongs us, the 
proper Questions should be put home in a serious yet gentle manner to his own Con- 
science. Allowances should be craved for the misinformation which the Society 
may have received, and the mistakes which it may have made, and the dissenters 
should be reminded that in one thing or another perhaps in some like things, they 
may have need of allowance also that mutual moderation always a christian duty is 
more especially needful when we are surrounded by unbelievers eager to take advan- 
tage against us all." 

29 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 140. 

so Roger Viets to the Sec, Simsbury, June 25, 1766, S. P. G. Letter-book B, 23, p. 
376. 

31 Timothy Cutler to Bishop of London, July 6, 1739, Fulham Archives. See also 
Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit.. Ill, pp. 225-6, for a complaint of Harvard's ecclesiastical 
exclusivefless towards the Church of England. 



36 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

low members of the Church of England be sent out from Oxford 
or Cambridge in England to instruct the youth att Cambridge 
in New England, by her Ma ties Authority, wch if it could be done" 
might in a few years "induce the people of N. England to con- 
forme;" 32 or than the accusation of John Talbot that the college 
had "gone a great way to Poison this country with Damnable 
Doctrines . . . worse than Heathenism or Atheism" and 
recommending that some grave, wise tutor and philosopher be 
sent there "to teach them humanity in the first place, that in 
time they might be brought to Christian Principles & Practices, 
for at Present they are not much better than the Quakers, & 
in the Latter much Worse." 33 In 1727 the Society's mis- 
sionaries at Boston started a controversy with the Harvard 
overseers which continued for four years or more and which 
greatly increased the bitterness towards the Episcopal party. 
These missionaries laid a claim to the right to sit with the over- 
seers in their deliberations. 34 It was based (1) on their interpre- 
tation of the charter of establishment, (2) on the fact that the 
Church party paid its proportion of rates for Harvard's support, 
and (3) on the precedent that earlier Church of England clergy 
had been invited to sit and vote in that body, enjoying such 
privilege for some twenty years, although for two or three years 
last past the courtesy had not been extended. 35 The claim was 
denied by the overseers and later by the General Court of Massa- 
chusetts. Appeals were made to England but they were inef- 
fectual. Memorials were then renewed before the overseers and 
the latter promptly dismissed them again, thus excluding the 
Church representatives from the management of Harvard Col- 
lege. 36 Since there were no clergy of the Church in Massachu- 
setts at the founding of Harvard, the original charter could not 
have meant to include such persons in the governing board. 
The teaching e)ders of the six next adjoining towns, who were 



»s Keith to Dr: Bray, Feb. 26, 1702-03, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 1, p. 88. 
« Talbot to the Sec, April 7, 1704, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 1, p. 181. 

34 Clergy of New England to the Sec, July 20, 1727, Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit., III. 
pp. 224-26; Cutler to General Nicholson, Aug. 10, 1727, ibid. p. 228. 

35 Memorial of the Ministers and others of the Church of England to the Lieut. 
Governor and General Court July 24, 1727, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 205; same 
to Bishop of London, July 20, 1727, Fulham Archives; Cutler and Myles to the 
Lieut. Gov. and House of Representatives, Feb. 3, 1727-28, S. P. G. Letter-book, 
B, 1, p. 204; Cutler to Bishop of London, June 25, 1730, Fulham Archives. 

as For the several steps here given see Cutler's letters to the Bishop of London, 
Sept. 11, and Oct. 10, 1728, and June 25, 1730, Fulham Archives; also Cutler's 
second Memorial to Harvard Overseers June 11, 1730, and the latter's resolution of 
June 17, 1730, Fulham Archives; also Cutler's letter of May 13, 1731, ibid. 



The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 37 

named as members, were intended to be Independents, the or- 
thodox ministers of that colony. But aside from this, the action 
of the overseers was one based on prejudice and a fear of the in- 
crease of the Church's influence. Their earlier toleration and 
the public tax long shared by all parties established an equity 
in favor of the protesting clergy. If the Bishop of London took 
any action on behalf of his ministers, there is no indication of 
it in the many pppers in Fulham Archives relating to the con- 
troversy. One can feel reasonab'y certain that he sounded the 
advocates of political expediency and found inaction the safest. 
The S. P. G., however, in responding to appeals from Boston, 
concluded that "the Society cannot properly concern them- 
selves in this affair." 37 

Opposition to the Church was also experienced at Yale, in 
spite of the fact that Elihu Yale and Bishop Berkeley, who were 
the chief benefactors of the college in the early period, were 
both "Gentlemen of the Church." 38 It must have given pro- 
found concern to the Independents of New England when at the 
Yale Commencement of 1722, Timothy Cutler, Yale's president, 
Daniel Brown, tutor in the college, and Samuel Johnson,^ the 
Independent pastor of Westhaven, besides three other pastors, 
declared themselves for the Church of England "in ye face of 
ye whole country." 39 The Church party appreciated the sig- 
nificance of the declaration and encouraged it by holding out 
promises of support from England. 40 From this time on Yale 
graduated a considerable number of professors of the Church of 
England, sometimes five, sometimes ten in a class. 41 All of this 
time the opponents of the Church, who were predominant in the 
Government, held control of the College and enforced a thor- 
oughgoing sectarian attitude. Students were fined for attend- 
ing the Church of England services. A fine of £11 was imposed 
against two sons of Mr. Punderson, an S. P. G. missionary, 



37 S. P. G. Journal, Nov. 15, 1728, V, p. 178. 

38 Samuel Johnson to the Societ/, 1754, S. P. G. Journal, XXI, pp. 376-9. 

x"39 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 16, pp. 302, 298; S. P. G. Journal, IV, p. 242./ Cutler 
became an S. P. G. missionary at Boston; see above. Johnson became missionary 
at Stratford and afterwards first President of Kings (Columbia) College. Brown 
was appointed a missionary, but died after entering on his new duties. 

40 Geo. Pigot to the Sec. Oct. 3, 1722, S. P. G. Letter-book A, 16, p. 298; Church- 
wardens and Vestry of Newport, R. I., to the Sec. Oct. 29, 1722, ibid., p. 309; Gov. 
Nicholson to the Sec. Jan. 11, 1722-3, ibid., p. 95. It is worth noting here that very 
soon after this, invitations to Episcopal ministers to sit with the Harvard Overseers 
were stopped. 

« S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 266; ibid., 16, p. 24. By 1754 about 1-10 of the 
100 students were Episcopalian, S. P. G. Journal, XII, p. 376-79. 



38 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

"for non-attendance in the Hall or attending the Ch. of Eng. 
services the ^ths of the Sundays it is performed at New- 
haven." 42 Dereliction in the matter of religious worship was a 
serious offence then. It could be punished by fines or public 
whippings. 43 "It seems to us," said Dr. Johnson, "an insolent 
treatment to deny our children a publick Education unless they 
constantly attend their meetings when we have a Church within 
a few Rods of the College, especially since . . . the parents 
of these children do annually bear their proportion in the sup- 
port of the college." 44 

The payment of rates for the support of the ministers of the 
Dissenters was exacted of the partisans of the Church generally 
in New England. 45 It was an ever-present source of irritation 
to them. At times resistance was attempted, but such cases 
were decided on partisan lines. 46 In 1748 it was said that the 
Church party in Boston were paying "a fifth of the poor's rates, 
notwithstanding the Town contains ten Presbyterian Meeting 
Houses, one Irish, one French, one Anabaptist, one Separatists, 
and one Quakers." 47 Unpopular as this must have been to the 
struggling Episcopal churches, it was merely the carrying out of 
a policy long maintained for the benefit of the Church of England 
at home. Moreover, the Church was taking advantage of the 
same privileges in colonies where the national religion was 
established. 

One other phase of controversy in New England is to be noted. 
In 1761 the government of Massachusetts passed an act to in- 
corporate certain persons by the name of the Society for pro- 
pagating Christian Knowledge among the Indians of North 
America. 48 Representatives of the Society in Boston became 
suspicious that the intent of the act was "to frustrate the pious 
Designs of the S. P. G." 49 and sent the alarm to England. 
Charges were immediately prepared against this new scheme and 



42 S. P. G. Journal, XIII, pp. 57-9. 

43 A case is reported of an old man of eighty-five being whipped at the Town sign- 
post for leaving the Meetings of the Independents and attending the Church of 
England. S. P. G. Journal, XII, pp. 376-79. 

44 ibid. 

45 Perry, Hist. Col. Epis. Ch., op. cit., I, pp. 296-7, 299, 300f. 

46 See the letter of Churchwardens and Vestry of New Cambridge to the Society, 
Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit., Ill, p. 432. 

47 A letter from Sir Harry Frankland to his Uncle, about the State of Religion at 
Boston, Dec. 13, 1748. Ibid., p. 423. 

48 Lambeth Archives, 1123, III, p. 271. 

49 Ibid., p. 269. 



The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 39 

apparently presented to the Board of Trade, where the act was 
to be reviewed before final presentation for the action of His 
Majesty in Council. 60 The Committee of the Board of Trade 
advised the repeal of the act. "And on the 20th of May 1763 
His Majesty in Council was pleased to repeal the said Act." 61 
The dangerous features brought out in the objections to the new 
society are not warrantable in such papers as are to be found in 
either Lambeth or Fulham archives. It appears upon the face 
of the Church of England antagonism that it was prompted by 
a jealousy of the work of its S. P. G., and that the Church was 
suspicious of any and all measures that were enacted in New 
England. 

At the beginning of their labors in New York the Church and 
the Society encountered some prejudice on the part of the Dutch. 
Albany is reported to have opposed so strongly the building of 
the first English church in 1716 that the workmen were com- 
mitted to jail to prevent work being carried on. 62 As late as 
1762, too, objection was raised to the election of a brother of 
the Society's missionary as an elesor on the ground of his faith, 
and the point was carried. 63 On the other hand, the Dutch in 
southern New York were tolerant and the relations between 
them and the English Churchmen were amicable to an unusual 
extent. 54 An exception to this occurred in the rule of Governor 
(Lord) Cornbury (1702-1709). The Governor came to New 
York with the usual orders from the Crown, 66 regarding the 
licensing of ministers and schoolmasters, and he proceeded to 
carry out the same to the letter. He applied his orders to the 
ministers and schoolmasters of the Dutch Reformed Church, 
although they claimed exemption on the ground of the charter 



50 A draught of the objections to the act is in Fulham Archives, endorsed: "Reed 
from the ABp of Canterbury, 1763. " It was based on a series of objections prepared 
by Wm. Smith of Pennsylvania, then in London, and sent to the Archbishop, Nov. 
22, 1762. Lambeth Archives, 1123, III, p. 282. 

51 Ibid., p. 308. This interesting note is added: "No Bishop was present either 
at the Committee or the Council." But it is safe to say that the formal charges 
reached the Committee and Council in ample time, as well as personal objections 
from the Bishops concerned. 

52 Col. John Bradstreet to the Sec. July 2, 1762, Hawks Transcripts, New York, 
II, p. 305. Bradstreet was in charge of the King's forces at Albany. 

53 Ibid. 

54 s. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 112. 

55 "Royal Instructions given to Gov. Cornbury in 1703, " copy of same in S. P. G. 
Journal, II, July 11, 1712; sections 60 to 65 of the same quoted in Pascoe, op. cit., 
p. 60. 



40 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

previously granted their church by William III. 66 He has been 
charged also with breaking up some of the Dutch schools on 
Long Island through his misguided zeal. 57 Ill-feeling was caused 
between the Dutch and the Church party for the time being as 
a result of Cornbury's policy. Fortunately this did not survive 
him, for his successors adopted a pacific attitude. But in Lord 
Cornbury's defense it must be said that he had the statesman's 
vision in respect of the need of universalizing the English lan- 
guage, in order to successfully unify the colonies under the 
British flag. 58 

Antagonism was started between the English non-conform- 
ists and the adherents of the Church of England with the enact- 
ment of Church establishment in the colony at a much earlier 
date. 59 But the Cornbury administration brought it into the 
open as it had not been before. First he was as vigorous in the 
matter of licenses for their representatives as he was with the 
Dutch. Then he encouraged the missionaries appointed to the 
established churches, to occupy and make use of the churches, 
parsonages and glebes which had heretofore been provided and 
occupied by the Dissenters. In Jamaica, on Long Island, a 
controversy of this kind arose 60 though for the first seven years 
the Dissenters bore their grievance with "a most laudable si- 
lence and wonderful patience." 61 During the interval between 
the death of the S. P. G. missionary and the arrival of his suc- 
cessor the Dissenters seized the parsonage and glebe and held 
it against all arguments and trials at Court. The controversy 
lasted for more than twenty years, 62 and was a source of pro- 
longed and bitter irritation. 



56 Provisions in the incorporation act of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, 
quoted in Dunshee, (ed. 1853) p. 57. In the same change from Dutch to English 
control, moreover, the Dutch had wisely preserved for themselves their full ecclesi- 
astical and educational rights. 

57 Smith, Wm„ History of New York, p. 114. 

58 See Cornbury's letter to this effect, Hawks Transcripts, N. Y., I, pp. 83-86; also 
similar suggestions from Thos. Moore in a letter to the Sec, New York, Nov. 13, 
1705, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 122. 

59 Sept. 22, 1693. Trot's Laws of the British Plantations relating to the church 
and clergy, religion and learning, p. 263; Col. Laws of N. Y., I, pp. 328-31. 

60 In 1710. See letter of Thomas Poyer to S. P. G., Dec. 3, 1710, Hawks Tran- 
scripts, New York, I, p. 234; S. P. G. Journal, II, Jan. 19, 1710-11. 

61 See quotation from a letter of Cotton Mather Oct. 14, 1706, sent to the Sec. 
S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 6, p. 82. One suspects that the "wonderful patience" was 
due somewhat to the presence of Cornbury as Governor. 

62 s. P. G. Journal, V, p. 314; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 23, p. 328; also A, 12, pp. 
264, 266, 259, and A, 13, pp. 363, 439, 451. For the Society's appeal to the Queen 
and the resulting orders in Council, see Hawks Transcripts, New York, I, p. 296. 



The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 41 

In April 1752, Mr. Wetmore, the S. P. G. missionary at Rye, 
reported: "The party disputes which have run high among us 
for several years, to my great grief obstruct the success . . . 
in my endeavours to promote a becoming zeal for piety and re- 
formation of manners among the looser sort of my Parishoners 
which are too numerous." 63 Shortly afterwards he wrote again, 
"Factions and parties keep up but are more quiet than for some 
years. . . . Licentiousness and wickedness abound more 
than ever, occasioned by factions fanned by those sorts of teach- 
ers." 64 Writing about this time from New York city a group 
of the Society's clergy expressed the fear that without good 
governors "the Church must sink in these countries (and indeed 
the State too) notwithstanding our utmost efforts amid such 
active and indefatigable Enemies as we are surrounded with." 66 
The tone of these quotations immediately preceding needs prob- 
ably to be discounted in part, yet it indicates thus early the 
ushering in of the spirit of revolution. In a more practical way 
the opposition to the Church of England in New York province 
was shown in the active antagonism to the founding of King's 
College on a semi-Episcopalian basis. 66 At the first suspicion 
of such a possibility the enemies of the Church began a violent 
campaign of writing to defeat the design. Dr. Johnson, the 
first president, described the situation to the Archbishop of Canter- 
bury in these words: 

"Among the pernicious Books the Independent Whigg grows much in vogue* 
& a notable sett of Young Gentlemen of Figure in New York have of late 
sett up for writers in that way in a weekly paper called the Independent Re- 
flector. Several worthy Gentlemen of the Church in that Province have of 
late been embarked in a Design of Erecting a College as a Seminary of the 
Church, tho' with a free & generous Toleration for other Denominations. 
Upon which these Reflectors have been indefatigable in their paper & by all 
possible means both private & public endeavoring to spirit up the people 
against us & to wrest it out of the Church's Hands & make it a sort of free 
thinking or latitudinarian Seminary, as your Grace will see by several of 
these papers Mr. Smith will lay before you. 

We have several of us been writing in the Churche's Defence against them, 



63 Hawks Transcripts, New York, II, p. 242. 

64 Ibid., Oct. 2, 1752. 

65 Letter signed by Samuel Johnson and four other missionaries, Jan. 29, 1755, 
Hawks Transcripts, New York, II, p. 252. 

66 The president was to be of the Church of England and the Episcopal prayers 
were to be used in its services. 



42 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

& endeavoring not without some success to defeat their pernicious Schemes. " 67 

Even after the Charter had been granted in 1754 the "clamor 
raised against it by their inveterate enemies" so far prevailed 
that it was impossible to procure from the Assembly more than 
half of the funds raised by lotteries for building the College. 68 
Available documents bearing on this struggle indicate that a 
spirit of toleration prevailed on the part of the Church that was 
admirable under the circumstances, and furthermore that the 
opposing of the charter was quite as political in its nature as it 
was religious. 69 The Vestry of Trinity Church in a letter to the 
Society claimed that the Episcopal party "never insisted on any 
condition, till we found some Persons labouring to exclude all 
systems of Religion out of the Constitution of the College." 70 
When the Church did interpose for a religious foundation, it 
"had the countenance of many good men of all Denominations, 
and in particular the Ministers of the Foreign Protestant 
Churches" in the city, who acquiesced, too, in serving as Gover- 
nors of the College. 71 "We can with a good Conscience De- 
clare" continued the Vestry, "that we are so far from the 
Bigotry & Narrowness of Spirit, they have of late been pleased 
to charge us with, that we would not were it in our Power lay the 
least Restraint on any Man's Conscience, and should heartily 
rejoyce to continue in Brotherly Love & Charity with all our 
Protestant Brethren." 72 



67 Letter of June 25, 1753, Lambeth Archives, 1123, I, p. 64. See also the follow- 
ing from the missionary of Rye (Mr. Wetmore) Oct. 9, 1753: 

"The affair of erecting a College in that province has given occasion to a set of 
young lawyers to publish the doctrines of the Independent Whig, & Tindal's Rights 
&c. with the design to promote Republican Principles of Govmt & a Contempt of 
the National Constitution of the Ch., to prevent if possible, the establishment of 
the College, upon a Foundation, that may give a Prospect of promoting religion in 
the way of the National Ch. but it is hoped the Endeavours used to antidote the 
malignity of their writings will have a good effect. " S. P. G. Journal, XII, pp. 320- 
21. The Church party was strong enough to get the charter passed in Council by a 
majority of two-thirds, and to secure its approval by the Assembly. Ibid., XII, 
pp. 387-88. 

68 S. P. G. Journal, XII, pp. 105-6; Ibid., XIV, pp. 68, 71; S. P. G. Letter-book, 
B, 3, p. 315. 

69 The opponents on religious grounds were the two chief dissenting sects, Presby- 
terians and Independents. And closely associated with them were a group of politi- 
cal opponents. The leader of these was one William Smith, a lawyer, who with 
others of his profession, especially Livingstone and Scott, showed bitter hatred for 
the Church and College and were believed to be the chief writers of the hostile papers 
mentioned above. In his History of New York, which appeared in the midst of the 
controversy, Smith included all the newspaper complaints against the Society and 
missionaries. These were the occasion of distrust and enmity for long years, and may 
have suggested the line of attack which Mayhew took up in Massachusetts shortly 
thereafter. See letter from President Johnson to Archbishop, King's College, March 
20, 1759, Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, p. 130; also Samuel Auchmuty to the Sec. 
Hawks Transcripts, New York, II, p. 463. 

70 s. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 315 1 . 

71 Ibid. 

72 Ibid. 



The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 43 

The effect of this warfare began to show itself in England as 
enemies of the colonies established the connections with the 
Church's foes at home. Such an object was doubtless stu- 
diously planned, in order that the Government might realize to 
what extent the dominance of the Episcopal cause would prove 
politically unwise. Charges made on the one side were assiduously 
made known on the other, and defences of the Church and So- 
ciety were frequently made necessary. The following extracts 
are taken from one of these defences written by one of the most 
reliable pens of that period: 

"It is indeed my Lord, a thing of most melancholy consideration that by 
such unaccountable methods our Adversaries should have procured such a 
Jormidable multitude at home to be disaffected to the Society, and that any 
should treat it with such insolence as to use even threatening intimations when 
at the same time there never was the least ground for that which it seems is 
their grand complaint viz., that the Society have unwarrantably changed 
their object from the propagating of Christianity and Protestantism to the propa- 
gation of one form of it in opposition to other Protestants. This my Lord I 
believe never was designed nor attempted by the Society to this day. There 
have been indeed a multitude of Proselytes to the Church especially in New 
England, but this has not been an originally designed but an accidental effect. 
No my Lord the Fact has been plainly this, of the course of which I have been 
a Witness almost 40 years. 

"There have been considerable numbers of honest conscientious English 
People of the Church who have settled in many of the principal Country 
Towns in New England as well as other parts of America. Some of these have 
been sensible men, &, as is natural to suppose they have pleaded the cause 
of their Church with their Dissenting Neighbours, till they have prevailed 
to proselyte some Dissenters to joyn with them, & being uneasy with the 
dissenting way, which was then generally very poor, & to them very uncouth, 
they at length being impatient for the Service of the Church, have joyned 
in petitioning the Society for Ministers, which after long solicitation they 
obtained. The consequence of which hath been that some Dissenters from 
curiousity, & others invited by their Neighbors have been led to frequent 
the service of the Church which upon experience they have admired, & by 
degrees endeavoured to propagate. Thus it was at Stratford, & at length it 
propagated to several Neighboring Towns: 'till from about 80 Families with 
whom I began, it propagated in 10 or 12 years to several Congregations; for 
whom, as the burthen grew too great for me I procured them Ministers, till 
at length when I left that Province there were 25 small Churches & 10 or 11 
Ministers. In all which time, I never once tryed to proselyte Dissenters, 
nor do I believe any of the other Ministers did. We never concerned our- 
selves with them 'till they came to us, and when they did we could do no less 
than give them the best instructions and assistance we could in making a 
right judgement for themselves. And so far were we from promoting or 
taking advantage of any quarrels that happened among themselves that in 
many instances we obliged them to accommodate matters amicably with 
their former Brethren, or at least to do all they could towards an accommoda- 
tion before we could receive them to our communion. 

"Such my Lord hath been the method of our procedure when at the same 
time I all along maintained a very friendly correspondence with the chief men 
among them & endeavoured to do them all the good Office I could, & in par- 
ticular, I procured a noble donation from Bp. Berkeley for their College in 
Land and Books to the value of much more than £1000 Sterling. But be- 



44 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

hold my Lord the gratitude of these men! At the same time that I was 
doing them these good offices, they were contriving & did send along a letter to 
the Bp. of London of complaint against us, full of gross untruths and misrepre- 
sentations, with a view to get all the Church people in N. England deprived 
of their Ministers, & then of their subsistence. This Letter his Ldship re- 
ferred to the Society & I believe your Grace may find it among the Society's 
Papers of 1735. In reply to which the Society were so candid as to give them 
free liberty and to direct them to produce Evidence to make good their com- 
plaints against us which they endeavoured to do, but could make nothing of 
it, & I believe never replied at least we never heard any more of it. 

"Amazing my Lord it is, that these people both at home & abroad cannot 
be content not only with the most indulgent Toleration by Law, but in many 
instances with the most kind treatment from the Church; but by how much 
the better they are treated, by so much the more indefatigably they are bent 
& engaged perfas & nefas, joyning and making interest with even the enemies 
of Christianity itself to undermine her, & if possible to raze her even to the 
foundation! And truly by their threatening insinuations it should seem as 
tho' they apprehended they are going near to effect it. How much better our 
temper here towards them is than theirs towards us, may be obviously seen from 
this, that our College provides that their Children belonging to it have free liberty 
to go to their own Meetings where as in Connecticut their College will not admit 
that the Children of the Church belonging to it go to their own Church but punish 
them if they presume to do it. " n 

For years after attacks continued against the Society and its 
representatives some of which had foundation, 74 but much of 
which was based on prejudices and a growing tendency to place 
the Church with the Crown and the Government as allied en- 
emies. Between 1765 and 1775 the conditions were extremely 
distressing to the S. P. G. ministers in New York, 75 and the 
British Government added to the aggravation by appointing 
to provincial offices some of their most avowed enemies. 76 

The Presbyterians had long been trying to procure a Charter 
of Incorporation for their Church. In 1766 they took up the 
matter with renewed activity. Having failed to effect anything 
through the governors, 77 they carried their petition to the King 78 



73 Dr. Johnson to Archbishop of Canterbury, Kings College, March 20, 1759, Lam- 
beth Archives, 1123, II, p. 130 ff. Italics not in original. 

74 For instance, not a few among the S. P. G. missionaries and schoolmasters were 
unworthy and subject to severe criticism. The Society attempted constantly to 
avoid employing such persons. It was sincerely earnest in this and cannot be justly 
held responsible for the cases of failure. Among so many servants of the Society at 
such remote distances, some might naturally be expected to fail. See for example, 
letter of John Bartow, West Chester, Oct. 15, 1765, Fulham Archives; also in Hawks 
Transcripts, N. Y. II, p. 335. 

75 Hawks Transcripts, New York, II, pp. 467, 471, 489, 476, 483, 481, 505. One of 
these (471) complains of an attack traducing the whole Bench of Bishops, execrating 
the Church and clergy and inflaming the people aganst Episcopacy, and adds: "It 
is not only the Church that they want to have demolished. " 

76 Smith was made one of His Majesty's Council in New York. His appointment 
was vigorously protested by the President of Kings College, and by the Rector of 
Trinity Church. See Hawks Transcripts, New York, II, pp. 461, 435, 463. 

77 Samuel Auchmuty to Sec. Mar. 29, 1766, Hawks Transcripts, New York, II, 
p. 362. 

78 Ibid., p. 372. 



The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 45 

and sought to bring pressure on both King and Parliament 
through the Church of Scotland. 79 Undismayed by the intense 
opposition against themselves, the Church of England leaders 
took prompt steps to defeat the plan. 80 Charging the petitioners 
with being enemies to monarchy, only seeking favorable oppor- 
tunity to show themselves such, they unfortunately evinced a 
retaliatory and sectarian spirit as strong as that of their op- 
ponents, 81 — a spirit, in fact, that was hardly in keeping with the 
defense of Dr. Johnson seven years before. 

The work of the S. P. G. in New Jersey and Pennsylvania 
was continually opposed by the Quakers and the Society, in 
turn, kept up an uncompromising attitude toward them. Open 
hostility and contention were little resorted to, but the more 
favored position and power of the Quakers, especially in Penn- 
sylvania, 82 proved a factor against which it was difficult to make 
headway. A large proportion of the tracts sent from London 
were against Quakerism, and this fact may serve to explain why 
the Quakers opposed the Church adherents more bitterly than 
any other sect. The Quakers defended themselves in kind and 
with a vigor, too, that was an evident annoyance to the mis- 
sionaries of the S. P. G. 83 

With the influx of emigrants from various countries of Europe 
these colonies became peopled with a swarm of sectaries. 8 * 



KIbid. p. 362. 

80 See Auchmuty's protest against the Charter in a letter to the Bishop of London, 
March 28, 1766, Fulham Archives; also copied in Hawks Transcripts, New York, 
II, p. 370-1. That the Church had opposed earlier attempts is shown by the fol- 
lowing: "Ordered the Church Wardens pay to the Clerk of the Council the Sum of 
two pounds one Shilling being for fees accrued in opposing the Incorporation of the 
Presbyterian Meeting House in this City. " Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 125. 

81 Samuel Auchmuty to the Sec, March 29, 1766, Hawks Transcripts, New York, 
II, pp. 362-3; same to Bishop of London, March 28, 1766, Fulham Archives; also in 
Hawks Transcripts, op. cit., pp. 370-1. Auchmuty objected to a move that would 
put the Presbyterians on a par with the Church of England, or that would put the 
Church in danger in the province. Nor could he ■Ecquiesce in it while a Bishop was 
denied his own people. 

82 This may have been due, in part, to the earlier lack of other forms of worship. 
See letter of Col. Quarry and others to Gov. Nicholson, Jan. 18, 1696-7, Perry, 
Hist. Col., op. cit., II, p. 5. 

83 "The most impious & atheistical books & Tenets are cunningly & privately as 
well as impudently & publicly spread abroad to countenance the Quakers. " S. P. 
G. missionary at Burlington to Gov. Nicholson, May 11, 1714, S. P. G. Letter-book, 
A, 9, p. 203. Note also the following: 

"I also herewith presume to send you a Philadelphia Almanac which if you please 
to peruse the same you will see what is doing here to ridicule what the noble Society 
are propagating. And in order to do such things the Quakers out of their public 
Stock have purchased a printing press and a Dutchman out of Holland to print such 
things, as their Monthly Meetings at Philadelphia shall allow; and they being the 
greatest body of people they are encouraged such like Alamanacks, and ours are 
thereby discouraged." Wm. Bradford to the Sec. Dec. 12, 1706, ibid., p. 57. 

84 Pennsylvania so indulged and favored all sectaries that it was probably more at- 
tractive than any other colony to the foreigner of the 18th century. Interesting 
evidences of this are to be found in Weber, The Charity School Movement in Colonial 
Pennsylvania, pp. 7-8. 



46 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Churchmen, German Lutherans, Calvinists, Mennonites, Mora- 
vians, New Born, Dunkards, Presbyterians, Anabaptists, Se- 
ceeders, New Lights, Covenanters, Mountain Men, Brownists, 
Independents, Papists, Quakers, Jews, all vied with each other. 85 
It is no wonder that the relatively small number belonging to 
the national Church had to maintain their establishments under 
heavy odds. 86 The Church, upon the whole, gradually gained 
ground throughout the provinces. While literature was as- 
siduously distributed against Quakerism and other sectarian 
doctrines, an attempt was made to deal with the sectaries them- 
selves in moderation and charity. As a result, both German 
Lutherans and Dutch Calvinists were made friends to the point 
of close cooperation. 87 The English speaking sects were also 
less intolerant, and, in the absence of their own churches, fre- 
quented the services of the Church of England. 88 

When at about the middle of the century the dissenting 
movement in New Jersey and Pennsylvania began to show 
marked growth, open opposition was engendered between them 
and the friends of the Church. The latter actively opposed the 
founding of the College of New Jersey. The contention began 
at the first proposal for a charter. Appeals were sent to the 
Society and the Bishop of London in the hope of defeating the 
scheme. 89 Later the missionaries charged that the chief reason 
for fixing the College at Princeton was "that their conduct 
might be unobserved and their pupils uninfluenced by persons 
of other persuasions" 90 ; and it was felt, they reported, that a 
missionary was needed, near by, to "gain over some of the pu- 
pils." 91 Through such an attitude it was impossible for the 
Society to avoid the suspicion of sectarian prejudice, and, in 



85 This diversity of sects prevailed in the individual counties as well as in the pro- 
vince as a whole. See Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit., pp. 366-7. 

86 The following shows the disproportionate influence of the Episcopalians in a 
political way: 

"At the last Election for the county to choose Assemblymen, Sheriff, Coroner, 
Commissioners, Assessors, &c, 5000 Freeholders voted, and yet not a single member of 
the Church was elected into any of these offices. " From a missionary to the Sec, 
Ibid. 

87 Proposals, in fact, for a union with the Church of England were made by both. 
IMd., p. 367. 

88 Classified Digest, op. cit., pp. 54-5; S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 53, and VII., p. 296. 

89 James Wetmore to Bishop of London, March 26, 1747, S. P. G. Letter-book^ 
B, 15, p. 78; Samuel Johnson to same, Apr. 28, 1747, Ibid., p. 51; Wm. Skinner to 
Society, Apr. 21, 1747, Ibid., 16, p. 91. 

90 Memorial of missionaries to Society, Feb. 6, 1758-59, S. P. G. Journal, XIV.^ 
pp. 190-2. 

»i Ibid. 



The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 47 

view of the efforts in behalf of Kings College, so soon thereafter, 
it is hard for the Church partisans to justify their position. 

Yet, as a partial offset, the opposition to the Episcopalian 
influence at the College and Academy of Philadelphia may be 
cited. This was shared by both Quakers and Dissenters. 92 An 
attack was made on the means of support of these institutions. 
A large part of the support was obtained through lotteries, "up- 
rightly managed by people of the best credit." 93 Lotteries had 
heretofore been resorted to for the purposes of fortifying the 
city and finishing the Episcopal Church, but they came to be 
used, almost solely, for acquiring funds for the College and 
Academy. 94 In 1759, during the absence of Provost Smith in 
London, measures were taken to suppress " Lotteries and Plays' r 
by act of the Assembly. 95 The interpretation of the move as 
one intended to overthrow Smith and the Church interest was 
without doubt correct. The Presbyterian faction was fast in- 
creasing its hold on the College. 96 The Quakers had a peculiar 
dislike of Smith for pamphlets written, supposedly by him, and 
for his activity in helping to set up schools among the Germans 
to the detriment of Quaker influence. 97 They also opposed his 
open avowal of vigorous measures against the depredations of 
French and Indians on the frontier. 98 The Provost met this op- 
position in a militant spirit 99 and his enemies watched for an 
opportunity to humble him. This came when Smith caused the 
publication of an address criticising the Assembly. 100 He was 
committed to jail until he should make satisfaction. 101 The pro- 



92 Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, p. 175, ibid.. Ill, p. 320. 

93 Ibid., II, p. 136. 

94 Ibid. 

95 Ibid. 

96 Ibid., Ill, p. 320. 

97 Ibid., II, p. 112. Smith was instrumental in having established a society in 
London for work among the Germans in Pennsylvania. It was organized in London 
about 1754, and was known as the Society for the Propagation of Christian Know- 
ledge among the Germans in Pennsylvania. Smith and Benjamin Franklin were 
among the trustees appointed in the colony. One of the chief objects was to set up 
English schools among the Germans. The movement lasted about ten years. Ibid., 
I, pp. 73, 76, 79, 80; II, pp. 90-93, 105, 125. For an excellent account of this work 
see Weber, op. cit. 

98 Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, p. 112 f. 

99 Reports from missionaries charged Smith with being too contentious, with 
"mixing politics with their real business and reviling those of their brethren who do 
not approve of this — especially Mr. Wm. Smith." Letter of Rev. Jenney to the 
Archbishop of Canterbury, ibid., p. 124; see also letters of Archbishop, ibid., fol. 128 
and fol. 143; also fol. 149. 

ioo No action was taken against two other papers which had printed the same. 
Ibid., p. 112 f. 

ioi Ibid., pp. 112 and 113, the latter being "A brief Narrative of the case of Rev. 
Mr. Smith." 



d8 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

ceeding appeared so partial that he preferred to go to jail rather 
than make acknowledgment. Subsequently he carried an appeal 
to England, 102 and was acquitted of any offence. 103 It was while 
Smith was in London that the act against lotteries was intro- 
duced. 

In the South the Society had almost a clear field, and the 
Church had more adherents in proportion to population than 
any other religious body. Sect rivalry caused the spread of 
books and tracts as elsewhere and there were occasional per- 
sonal grudges against the Society. 104 But rivalry seldom de- 
veloped contentious factions. 

The great religious awakening that was at its height about the 
middle of the eighteenth century spread all over the colonies 
and was a "disturbing agitation" to the Church and missionaries 
everywhere. It originated in Great Britain and resulted in the 
organization of the Methodist societies which laid the founda- 
tion of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The fervor of the 
followers of the new religion was carried to America by some of 
its leading exponents. 105 Among them George Whitefield was 
the most active and a peculiar source of annoyance to the Epis- 
copalians. Whitefield was himself a Church of England com- 
municant but had grown impatient of much that his church held 
dear. He was a powerful preacher and went up and down the 
colonies on several occasions, creating the greatest religious en- 
thusiasm wherever he went, from Boston to Georgia. He soon 
broke with the ministers of the Church who looked upon him as 
a dangerous fanatic, and was obliged to resort to the churches 
of the Dissenters or to private houses. 105 Ere long he began 
attacks on the Church, more especially on some of its primates 
at home. 107 He was further charged with printing libels in the 
newspapers against such Church publications as "The Whole 
Duty of Man" and advising people to burn them. 108 The So- 
ciety was attacked by Whitefield who also announced, in his 
letters to the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of London, 



102 Ibid., fols. 125, 140, 139. 

103 Ibid., fol. 137. 

104 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 10, p. 94; B, 5, p, 236. 

105 Between 1735 and 1770. 

106 Commissary Garden to Bp. of London, Charleston, Apr. 24, 1740 — Fulham 
Archives. 

107 Ibid. 

108 S. P. G. Letter-book, B. 7 p. 195: B, 9, p. 111. 



The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 49 

that the work of the S. P. G. was much overdrawn in the reports 
which were periodically sent over. The records in the Archives 
of the S. P. G. and Fulham Palace indicate very clearly the ex- 
tent of the irritation which the progress and success of the White- 
field movement caused the Church party. To them it was a 
"terrible State of affairs." 109 From every quarter discouraging 
accounts were sent to England concerning the "unnatural con- 
dition caused by Whitefield." "A distant person," said one 
letter, "can hardly conceive the confusions that have attended 
this visit, the Discord among the People & among the Teachers 
(ministers) of this Town, & the sad intermission of business." 
"The longer he tarries, the more he seems to gain ground upon 
inconsiderate People, & to what condition he will bring us at 
last times only will shew." 110 The above serves to illustrate 
the feeling that was general among the Episcopalians. The 
usual pamphlet opposition was prepared in England and sent 
over by the S. P. G. in response to the frequent request for 
"proper antidotes." 111 The Commissary of South Carolina, 
in 1742, instituted proceedings against Whitefield and "sus- 
pended him according to the 38th Cannon of the Church." 112 
But for years thereafter the movement started by this man con- 
tinued and was looked upon by the missionaries as a great draw- 
back to the progress of the Church of England. 113 

Another and one of the most serious obstacles the Society had 
to contend with is yet to be mentioned. The work of the Church 
was carried on at a very great disadvantage during the entire 
colonial period. This was because of the failure to get a resident 
American bishop appointed. The laws of the Church required 
that every minister must be regularly ordained by the bishop of 
the diocese who, in the case of America, was the Bishop of 
London. Therefore no colonial could become a minister of the 
Church without going to England for the ceremony of ordina- 



109 S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 29. 

no Quoted from a New England letter in a report to the Archbishop of Canterbury 
by the Sec, Jan. 18, 1754-5. Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, p. 89. See also Perry, 
Hist. Col. op. cit.. Ill, p. 394; Rev. A. Cummings, to Bishop of London, Aug 29, 
1740, Fulham Archives; Rev. A. Garden to the same, Apr. 24, 1740, ibid.; 8. P. G. 
Journal, VIII, p. 314, IX, p. 32. The extreme to which religious enthusiasm went 
is described in a letter to the Sec. from Lancaster, Pa., Dec. 17, 1770, Perry, op. cit., 
II., pp. 448-9. 

HIS. P. G. Journal, VIII, pp. 113, 232, 288; IX, pp. 32, 48, 141, 128, 107, 203; 
S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 9, pp. 6, 62; B, 7, pt. II, p. 113; B, 10, pp. 4, 15, 138; B, 11, 
p. 134; B, 13, pp. 61, 92. 

H2 S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 48; also S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, p. 138. 

113 Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit., II, pp. 448-9. 



50 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

tion. To do this involved a burdensome expense, 114 besides the 
many dangers consequent on sea voyages at that time. 115 When, 
after a few years, missionaries were recruited from conforming 
Dissenters and other candidates in the colonies, the need of a 
colonial bishop became all the more urgent. Aside from these 
difficulties the whole organization of the Church was such as to 
call for a resident primate of this kind. With the bishop on the 
other side of the Atlantic, the very soul of Episcopalianism was 
lacking. Of all the appeals sent from America to the Mother- 
Church, none was more emphasized or more frequently made 
than this. Lay members as well as the ecclesiastics urged it on 
every occasion. 116 That the heads of the Church and the So- 
ciety were not responsible for the delay and failure is manifest 
from the fact that they seized every opportunity of pressing 
the matter, either formally or through individuals, as circum- 
stances rendered advisable. In 1704 the Society reported that 
"earnest addresses" had been received "from divers parts of 
the Continent, and Islands adjacent, for a Suffragen to visit the 
several Churches." 117 Steps were taken to put the matter be- 
fore the proper officers of the Crown 118 and the Queen herself. 119. 
The matter was entrusted to Archbishop Tenison as President 
of the S. P. G. He submitted to the Queen a plan for the main- 
taining a suffragan bishop, rather than an absolute bishop, in the 
colonies. 120 The Society became so hopeful of success in this 
project that it purchased a house for a bishop's residence at 
Burlington, New Jersey. 121 The object seemed about to be at- 
tained, when the death of Queen Anne put an end to it. With 
the successive Georges the scheme could never gain the same 



114 The expense averaged £100 or more in colonial days. Classified Digest, op. 
cit., p. 84. 

us Several of the Society's representatives were shipwrecked and others were made 
prisoners by the French vessels. See Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, Oct. 25, 1754; 
also Hawks Transcripts, New York, II, p. 339. 

116 Hawks Transcripts, G. C, Nov. 2, 1705, and Apr. 28, 1709; S. P. G. Letter- 
book, A, 11, p. 335, 12, pp. 178-9: Hawks Transcripts, N.Y.,I.,p. 59; II, pp. 224, 
254, 399, 400, 409, 445-6, 480, 456-7, 567; Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, Oct. 25, 
1754, Sept. 27, 1750; S. P. G. Journal, II, p. 38; Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit, II, pp. 
405-6. 

I'? Annual Report, 1704, p. 2. 

us S. P. G. Journal, I, Nov. 17, and Dec. 15, 1704. 

H9 Ibid., Aug. 15 and Sept. 19, 1707. 

120 Such a proposal was probably outlined by the Bishop of London and tendered 
the Archbishop. See, "Bishop of London's Paper abt a Suffragan for the Planta- 
tions in America, Dec. 1707," Lambeth Archives, 711, fol. 18; also in Hawk's Tran- 
scripts, G. C. 

121 S. P. G. Journal, I, Feb. 10, 1710; June 22, 1711; May 23, 1712; Feb. 6, and Apr. 
10, 1713. 



The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 51 

momentum. Plans were continued with much vigor, however r 
and a fund for the support of four bishops throughout the Plan- 
tations was inaugurated. 122 

The thought of an Episcopal bishop of any kind was most 
distasteful to non-conforming sectaries in America. To them 
it could mean nothing less than Episcopacy as powerful as in 
England, and such power, it was declared, "would be inconsist- 
ent with the Privileges of the People in those Parts." 123 Much 
of the opposition already noted in the Plantations was due more 
to this ever-present suspicion than to any thing else. Dreading 
the possibility, opponents were organized in England to watch 
and effectually block all steps taken in that direction. 124 With 
the hope of removing apprehensions that the existence of other 
religious communities would be imperilled, the following plan 
was drawn up by Bishop Butler in 1750 setting forth the pro- 
posals of the New England Clergy: — 

"1. That no coercive power is desired over the laity in any case, but only 
a power to regulate the behaviour of the clergy who are in Episcopal Orders, 
and to correct and punish them according to the laws of the Church of Eng- 
land, in case of misbehaviour or neglect of duty, with such power as the com- 
missaries abroad have exercised. 

"2. That nothing is desired for such bishops that may in the least interfere 
with the dignity, or authority, or interest of the Governor, or any other 
officer of State. Probates of wills, licenses for marriages, etc. to be left in 
the hands where they are; and no share in the temporal government is de- 
sired for bishops. 

"3. The maintenance of such bishops not to be at the charge of the colonies. 

"4. No bishops are intended to be settled in places where the government 
is left in the hands of Dissenters, as in New England, etc., but authority to 
be given only to ordain clergy for such Church of England congregations as 
are among them, and to inspect into the manners and behaviour of the said 
clergy, and to confirm the members thereof." 125 



122 Two for the continent and two for the Islands. See Hawks Transcripts, G. C, 
June 3, 1715. See also, "Preamble to the subscription roll for the maintenance of 
Bishops in America." Ibid. 

123 Letter to Bp. of London, June 12, 1749, Fulham Archives; see also Lambeth 
Archives, 1123, II, fol. 121. 

124 Note the following illustration of this: "It was reported & Generally believed, 
that there was a design on foot to erect 2 New Bishopricks in the West Indies, this 
the Deputies thought & have since been well assured would be very disagreeable to 
many of our friends in those parts & highly prejudicial to the interest of Several of 
the Colonies, they therefore appointed 2 of their body to wait on some of his Majesties 
principle Servants & to acquaint them with their sentiments on this subject which 
was accordingly done & the Persons deputed, were very civilly received, & whatever 
the event may be, the part that the deputation has acted, has been so kindly taken 
abroad, that the house of representatives of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, have 
returned them their thanks in a Message signed by their Speaker." (1749) Extract 
from a " Short account of some Proceedings of the Deputies & Committee, appointed 
to take Care of the Civil affairs of the Dissenters," printed in 1767. Hawks Tran- 
scripts, G. C. 

125 From Perry, Hist. Col. Epis. Ch., op. cit., I, p. 408. The following, too, from 
Samuel Johnson to the Archbishop of Canterbury, March 20, 1759, is representative 
of the attitude of the Church in the middle colonies on this question : 

"And now my Lord as to the business of Episcopacy in these Plantations. We 
never pretended to desire any in these Plantations. We never pretended to desire 



52 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Proposals of this kind, however, as well as the reasonings 
that accompany them were powerless to stem the tide of preju- 
dice. 126 As early as 1750 the hopelessness of the cause was ap- 
parent to the S. P. G. The Secretary sent to America the fol- 
lowing discouraging admission: "I write with freedom & in 
Confidence to you. The Bishop of London doth his best, & has 
not yet quite given over his Endeavours to obtain a Bishop for 
America, but some of the great men are so much against it and 
have given the Dissenters such assurances, that it will not be 
obtain'd, that I have little or no Hopes of seeing one." 127 Fruit- 
less attempts were again made under George III. Earnest and 
continual endeavors were used with his successive ministers and 
ministries, "but without obtaining more than promises to con- 
sider and confer about the matter; which promises have never 
been fulfilled." 128 After the Stamp Act of 1765, in truth, there 
was altogether too much at stake for the English Government 
to jeopardize the hope of reconciliation by espousing a religious 
issue of whatever nature. 

The controversies indicated in the preceding pages make up 
a record of trials and hindrances that proved to be a heavy handi- 
cap. The S. P. G. was carrying on the work of the National 
Church which was so thoroughly established and so powerfully 
dominant in England. Yet it had, nevertheless, to proceed in 
the face of obstacles that were doubtless greater than those en- 
countered by any other colonial religious body in that century. 
In spite of it there is no doubt that the Society made commend- 
able progress. There is no doubt, either, that the National 



any Episcopate that should have any jurisdiction over them, or indeed any concern 
with them: so that they never, had any reason to have the least apprehension, much 
less such terrible apprehensions from it. All that ever we aimed at was no more than 
just what your Grace intimates — and when they enjoy without molestation their 
Presbytery in the full vigour of its Discipline, is it not a cruel thing that they should 
be so bitterly against the Churches enjoying her own form of Government and Dis- 
cipline for want of which she suffers extremely, & many valuable Lives have been 
thrown away? And is she not reduced to a miserable pass indeed, that she cannot 
provide for her children abroad here, without their consent for it? We should be en- 
tirely contented if we were only upon an equal foot with them; but for that which is 
the established Church of our Nation, to be in these Colonies in a state that is so 
much inferiour to them is very hard indeed & what as your Grace justly observes 
they would think utterly intolerable, were it their own case; were they for instance 
obliged to send their Candidates l.OOOd Leagues for Ordination!" Lambeth Archives, 
1123, II, fol. 130 ff. 

126 A General Congress of Presbyterian, Independent and Congregational ministers 
was reported to have been held at New Haven in 1767, having for its purpose the 
opposing an American Episcopacy and the preventing the growth of the Church of 
England. Hawks Transcripts, N. Y., II, p. 435. 

127 Sec. to Dr. Miller of Braintree, Mar. 2, 1752, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 18, p. 
201; also the same to Mr. Garden, Charleston, July 21, 1750, ibid, p. 226. 

128 Hawkins, Hist, of the S. P. G., p. 393, quoted in Classified Digest, op. cit., p 
748. 



The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 53 

Church could not have maintained itself without the help of the 
Society. That a narrow sectarian spirit stood out in the acts 
of its members, the writer is convinced. He believes, however, 
that a like spirit was no more unusual in the various sects with 
whom difficulties arose. The S. P. G. entered the colonial field 
to minister to the communicants of the Church and to welcome 
into the Church any non-conforming person who might be 
brought to a different viewpoint by the reasonings of religious 
literature. 129 It did not stand at all for any militant form of 
proselyting. Such a policy had never been favored by the 
Church. At times, though, it did persist in acts of intolerance 
which were aroused by its own prejudices towards the spread of 
dissenting movements. Further, the S. P. G. came to America 
to minister to the needs of the natives and slaves and persistently 
labored in this field against great discouragements. And finally 
it came designing, in all feasible ways, to offer religious educa- 
tion according to National Church doctrine and custom. 



129 The thousands of books and tracts were only indirectly of a controversial nature. 
They were aimed largely to establish a chain of logical reasons for defending the doer 
trines of their faith and for convincing Dissenters of the errors of doctrines in dis- 
agreement. In 1726, the Society resolved that they "do not send books of contro- 
versy abroad." S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 104. 



CHAPTER IV 

THE SOCIETY'S REGULATIONS CONCERNING SCHOOL- 
MASTERS 

The first steps taken by the S. P. G. for the beginning 
of formal instruction in the colonies have been already indicated. 1 
Though the members recorded themselves as favoring the em- 
ployment of the widows of clergymen in such "Charity Schools" 
as they purposed establishing in the Plantations, according to 
all available records, no further action was ever taken on that 
proposition. In May 1704 Mr. John Club, being ready to go 
as "poor Schoolmaster" for America, 2 was voted £5 assistance. 
Few of the Society's schoolmasters, however, were recruited 
directly in England. Between 1704 and 1731 only nineteen 
applications for such positions were filed with the Society by 
residents of England, and of these there are no records to show that 
more than nine of them were ever sent over. 3 If similar applica- 
tions were made after 1731 there are no evidences of the same 
now in the S. P. G. Archives. 4 There were a good many men 
in the colonies willing to undertake the work of instruction for 
the assurance of the Society's assistance. The requests sent by 
the different communities for some form of instruction frequently, 
indeed usually, included a specific schoolmaster for whom a 
bounty was desired. The S. P. G. took formal action in this 
matter very soon after the receipt of some of the earliest peti- 



i See p. 32. The first step of appointing a catechist will be taken up under Cate- 
chetical schools for Negro and Indian slaves. 

2 S. P. G. Journal, I, pp. 152, 163. 

3 For applications of those sent over see S. P. G. Journal I, pp. 152, (31), (285); 
II pp. 94, 356; III, p. 364; IV, p. 154; V, pp. 20, 144; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 14, p. 
41 For applications of those not recorded as being employed, see, S. P. G. Journal, 
I pp. (21), (26), (30), (304); II, p. 61; V, p. 299; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 4, pp. 83, 
95, 104; A,7,p. 76; A, 15, p. 14. 

4 This is possibly explained in part by the rule of the Society, adopted in 1712, 
that no schoolmaster should be sent out unless ordained deacon, when he was to 
have a salary not under £30. See Journal, II, p. 166; also, Regulation VIII, of the 
Collection of Papers appended to the Report of 1715. But as a matter of fact school- 
masters in deacon's orders were not sent out, save in very few cases. 

54 



The Society's Regulations Concerning Schoolmasters 55 

lions. 6 In 1707, the Standing Committee reported, "that they 
had further agreed to move the Society to consider whether the 
Schoolmasters that are already settled in the chief Towns or 
Seats in the English Governments or the Continent of N. Amer- 
ica may not be employed & retained by the Society . . . with 
some small salary to encourage the instruction of youth in the 
principles of the Christian Religion according to the Church of 
England; agreed that it be referred to the Committee to enquire 
into the number of Schoolmasters their names, Conditions, & 
Places of abode and report the same." 6 The policy thus sug- 
gested became a regular one. Either by means of gratuities on 
specific occasions or by means of annual salaries, the Society 
recruited most of its scholastic agents from the Plantations. 
But in doing so they were scrupulous to put no schoolmaster on 
an annual salary who did not conform to the Church of Eng- 
land and they extended very few gratuities to those who did 
not. 7 When the missionaries began to be recruited in consider- 
able numbers from the colonies, as they did from about 1740, 
proposals were sent to England to employ the prospective can- 
didates for orders in the service of the Society. 8 This was to 
be an encouragement to them, during the interval between gradu- 
ation from college and final ordination as missionaries. The 
plan was adopted, it being, "Agreed that in appointing Cate- 
chists & Schoolmasters, a principal regard ought to be had to 
such persons as are already in Holy Orders, or intend to offer 
themselves for it." 9 Thereafter such candidates were assured 
of finding a temporary place till some vacant mission offered. 
Usually they were made catechists rather than schoolmasters 
where that was possible. The former position was more in line 
with the ecclesiastical functions of a missionary. It is unfor- 
tunate that the plan did not furnish enough teachers to equip 
the Society's schools generally from that time on. Where it 
could be carried out, it insured a higher type of schoolmaster 



S2 5 See petition of Col. Caleb Heathcote to Bishop of London, N. Y. Oct. 23, 1704, 
S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 37; ditto from Wm. Huddleston to Rev. J. Postel- 
thwaite, Master of St. Paul's Free School, N. Y. Oct. 9 & Dec. 2, 1706, ibid.. A, 3, 
pp. 8, 18. 

« S. P. G. Journal, I, (69). 

7 For the Society' s objection to maintaining any but their own orthodox ministers 
and schoolmasters, see S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 232; Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, 
fol. 95. 

8 Samuel Johnson to Sec. Nov. 10, 1740, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, part 2, p. 31. 

9 S. P. G. Journal, IX- p. 146, Apr. 15, 1743; see also S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, 
pp. 188, 191. 197. 



56 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

than most of the other colonial schools were able to secure, — 
that is, one possessing college training. 

The salaries of the schoolmasters varied. Usually they were 
£10 or £15 or £20 sterling. These allowances were worth from 
about one and one-half to two and one-half times as much in 
colonial currency in times of peace, and, in war time, frequently 
four times as much. 10 In 1707 Col. Caleb Heathcote, one of the 
Society's correspondents in New York and a leading figure in 
that colony, 11 proposed that the salary be henceforth fixed at 
£3 or £4 sterling in order to "enable an abundance of Places 
to have Schoolmasters" with the assistance of the Society's 
funds. Four pounds, at least, he felt to be sufficient encourage- 
ment, "besides what the People in the respective places are able 
to give." 12 The Standing Committee favored the proposal to 
such an extent that it, "Agreed to report that it should be re- 
ferred to the Governor of New York and all the other Gentlemen 
in these parts that are Members of the Society taking the advice 
of the Society's Missionaries, to provide Schoolmasters in such 
places where they think them necessary with a Yearly Allowance 
not exceeding £5 or £6 according to Col. Heathcote's Proposal. " 
And, in turn, the Society "Agreed that the matter of Schools 
be left to the Gentlemen proposed by the Committee." 13 Ex- 
perience soon showed that the people were either indifferent to 
or unable to meet their share of the responsibility, and the letters 
of the schoolmasters and their sponsors were urgent enough to 
prevent the threatened reduction. But the Society continued 
true to the record in following the advice of the governors and 
other gentlemen of the provinces, and of the missionaries as 
well, in the setting up or the assisting of schools wherever they 
seemed necessary. It did not cease, however, to express the 
expectation that the people of the colonies should cooperate in 
the work, and it wished in time to be relieved of financial burden 
in centres like the city of New York. This would enable its 
activity to be extended to the newer and more necessitous settle- 
ments. 



io S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 3, p. 161. This estimate is based on New York cur- 
rency. It is typical, though there were variations from relative values in other colo- 
nies. 

" See his letter of Dec. 18, 1707, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 3, p. 161. 

12 Ibid. Later proposals from him fixed the salary at £5 or £6 sterling. S. P. G. 
Journal, II, p. 235. 

13 S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 249, March 3, 1709-10. 



The Society's Regulations Concerning Schoolmasters 57 

In 1731 the Committee was desired to consider the former 
and present state of the places where the Society sent school- 
masters and to "represent to the Board in what places, the 
people are so improved in their circumstances that the Society 
may abate or withdraw the allowances hitherto made." 14 They 
reported at the next meeting 15 that they "have not yet received 
sufficient information to ground their report" in this matter. 
Subsequently the Board resolved on several occasions to con- 
sider the state of schools with this end in view, but no definite 
plan was carried through. Occasional withdrawals of support 
were decided on, the following being one instance: "Also that 
whereas Mr. Ellis himself represents in his letter, that there are 
four Schools in that town besides his — the Committee submit 
to Sec. whether there is any occasion to continue a School 
there." 16 Upon further consideration the Committee recom- 
mended the discontinuance of Ellis' support, which was agreed 
to. 17 The same action was taken in 1743 with regard to the 
charity school at New York 18 but representations from that 
city had sufficient weight with the Society to cause a renewal of 
its support. 19 

At the very beginning the S. P. G. established rules and regu- 
lations to govern the conduct of its missionaries and school- 
masters. These "Instructions" embraced every particular 
which seemed necessary for the guidance of the Society's agents 
and they described each with a faithful simplicity. With re- 
spect to their parishes, missionaries were told that, amongst the 
many functions pertaining to them, they shall "encourage the 
setting up of Schools for the teaching of Children;" 20 and that 
they must attend to the proper religious instruction of those 
persons under their care, by encouraging the catechizing of 
such, "whether children or other ignorant Persons." 21 



14 S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 328, Jan. 21, 1731. 

15 Feb. 18, 1731, ibid., VI, p. 4. 

16 Feb. 17, 1737, ibid., VII, p. 210. Ellis was schoolmaster at Burlington, New 
Jersey. 

17 March 17, 1737, ibid., VII, p. 219. 

18 "There doth not appear any Reason to the Committee to support longer a 
School at New York, there being 9 English, one Dutch, one Latin and one French 
School in that City. * * * * Agreed to." Apr. 15, 1743, ibid., IX, p. 140; see 
also S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, p. 193a. 

w March 16, 1743-4, S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 246. For representations requesting 
further assistance, see letters of Commissary Vesey and Joseph Hildreth, the School- 
master, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 11, pp. 117, 120-2. 

20 Instructions for the Clergy printed in the Collection of Papers appended to th 
Annual Report of 1706; also in the reports of 1711 and 1715, and subsequent ones. 

21 Ibid. 



58 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

The first instructions for schoolmasters employed by the 
Society were also drawn up in 1706, and were the following: 

"I. That they well consider the End for which they are employed by the 
Society, viz. The instructing and disposing Children to believe and live as 
Christians. 

"II. In order to this End, that they teach them to read truly and dis- 
tinctly, that they may be capable of reading the Holy Scriptures, and other 
pious and useful Books, for informing their Understandings, and regulating 
their Manners. 

"III. That they instruct them thoroughly in the Church-Catechism; 
teach them first to read it distinctly and exactly, then to learn it perfectly 
by Heart; endeavouring to make them understand the Sense and Meaning 
of it, by the help of such Expositions as the Society shall send over. 

"IV. That they teach them to write a plain and legible Hand, in order to 
the fitting them for useful Employments; With as much Arithmetick as shall 
be necessary to the same Purpose. 

"V. That they be industrious, and give constant Attendance at proper 
School-Hours. 

"VI. That they daily use, Morning and Evening, the Prayers composed 
for their Use in this Collection, with their Scholars in the School, and teach 
them the Prayers and Graces composed for their use at home. 

"VII. That they oblige their Scholars to be constant at Church on the 
Lord's Day, Morning and Afternoon, and at all other Times of Publick 
Worship; that they cause them to carry their Bibles and Prayer Books with 
them, instructing them how to use them there, and how to demean themselves 
in the several Parts of Worship; that they be there present with them, taking 
Care of their reverent and decent Behaviour, and examine them afterwards 
as to what they have heard and learned. 

"VIII. That when any of their Scholars are fit for it, they recommend 
them to the Minister of the Parish, to be publickly Catechized in the Church. 

"IX. That they take special Care of their Manners, both in their Schools 
and out of them; warning them seriously of those Vices to which Children are 
most liable; teaching them to abhor Lying and Falshood, and to avoid all 
sorts of Evil-speaking; to love Truth and Honesty; to be modest, gentle, 
well-behaved, just and affable, and courteous to all their Companions; re- 
spectful to their Superiors, particularly towards all that minister in holy 
Things, and especially to the Minister of their Parish; and all this from a 
Sense and Fear of Almighty God; endeavouring to bring them in their tender 
Years to that Sense of Religion, which may render it the constant Principle of 
their Lives and Actions. 

"X. That they use all kind and gentle Methods in the Government of 
their Scholars, that they may be loved as well as feared by them; and that 
when Correction is necessary, they make the Children to understand, that it 
is given them out of kindness, for their Good, bringing them to a Sense of 
their Fault, as well as of their Punishment. 

"XL That they frequently consult with the Minister of the Parish, in 
which they dwell, about the Methods of managing their Schools, and be ready 
to be advised by him. 

"XII. That they do in their whole Conversation shew themselves Ex- 
amples of Piety and Virtue to their Scholars, and to all with whom they sahll 
converse. 

"XIII. That they be ready, as they have Opportunity, to teach and in- 
struct the Indians and Negroes and their Children. 

"XIV. That they send to the Secretary of the Society, once in every six 
Months, an Account of the State of their respective Schools, the Number of 
their Scholars, with the Methods and Success of their Teaching. " 22 



22 Printed in Collections of Papers as cited just above. The different provisions 
were proposed and adopted at separate meetings, on May 17. June 21, and July 19, 
1706. S. P. G. Journal, I, pp. 21, 28, 30. 



The Society's Regulations Concerning Schoolmasters 59 

The reports called for by Section XIV of the instructions 
were not enforced with sufficient emphasis at first and they 
were much neglected. To put a stop to this there was drawn 
up in 1738 a special form on which reports were to be sent. Not 
only were they to be sent on this form, but it was required that 
they be attested by the missionary and by some of the principal 
inhabitants. The form, known as the Notitia Scholastica, is 
shown herewith. 23 

The new plan brought undoubted improvement in the method 
of reporting to the Society, and it increased the amount of at- 
tention usually given to this rule. Apparently, however, it was 
not many years until the use of the actual Notitiae fell into dis- 
use, though it is possible that a large part of them has not been 
preserved in the regular archives. The information suggested 
by this form continued to be sent to the Secretary with fair 
regularity by most of the Schoolmasters. Severe reprimands 
were sent to those who were habitually negligent. To judge 
from these, it is probably safe to infer that reports were fre- 
quently overlooked or disregarded. So, too, part of the ques- 
tions of the Notitia came to be ignored. 

The Society's concern for the personnel of its lay agents is 
indicated by the following orders relating to Schoolmasters: 24 

" 1. That no person be admitted as Schoolmasters till he bring certificate 
of the following particulars. 

1. his age. 2. his conditions of life, whether single or mary'd. 3. his 
temper. 4. his prudence. 5. his learning. 6. his sober & pious conversa- 
tion. 7. his zeal for the Xtian Religion & diligence in his calling. 8. his 
affection to the present government. 9. his conformity to the doctrine & 
discipline of the Ch. of England. 

"2. That no person shall be sent as a Schoolmaster by Soc. till he has been 
tryed & approved by three members appointed by the Soc. or Com 66 who 
shall testify by word or writing his ability to teach reading, writing, & the 
Catechism of the Ch. of England & such exposition thereof as the Soc. shall 
order. 

"3. That they observe the Instructions given to the Schoolmasters by the 
Soc. set down on page 33, 34, 35, of the said Collection of Papers. 

"4. That no Testimonial shall be allowed of but such as are signed by the 
respective Minister of the parish where he last lived, & where this is not 
practicable, by some other persons of credit, & note, 3 at least of the Commu- 
nion of the Ch. of England, whereof one shall be a Clergyman, & such as shall 
be known to some of the members of the Soc. 

"5. That all Schoolmasters, in matters which they desire should be laid be- 
fore Soc. do correspond only with the President or Secretary of this Soc. 

"6. That if any Schoolmaster in the service of the Soc, shall return from 
the Plantations, without leave first had from the Soc, such Schoolmaster 



23 Adopted, Nov. 17, 1738. S. P. G. Journal, VII, p. 293. "Agreed that 250 of 
the same be printed and sent to the respective schoolmasters. " Ibid. 

24 Proposed Feb. 8, 1711-12, S. P. G. Journal II, p. 165; adopted Feb. 15, 1711-12, 
ibid., p. 166; printed in Collection of Papers, Report of 1715. 



60 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

shall receive no farther allowance from the time he shall leave his service 
there. 

"7. That all Schoolmasters sent over by the Soc. to the plantations being 
marryed men be obliged to take their wives with them, unless they can offer 
such reasons as shall induce y e Soc. to dispense therewith. 

"8. That the salary of every Schoolmaster who is not dismis'd the Service 
for some misdemeanour shall continue one year, & no longer, after the Soc. 
have resolved at their bord to dismiss Such Persons from their Service." 

Schoolmasters who were sent out from England were carefully 
examined on points specified above. It was also desired to show 
a similar care in the selection of men in the Plantations, but in 
reality the testimonials sent in behalf of applicants never reached 
this degree of explicitness. It was impossible, in view of the 
great distance and the consequent delay between letter and 
answer, and also in view of the men available, to exercise the 
close care in this respect that the Society so earnestly desired. 
The same difficulty was experienced as regards the stand- 
ing rules in general. It required positive admonition and action 
at various times to maintain a moderate degree of faithfulness 
to them. 25 The Society, it appears, was not able to accomplish 
more than this during the first century of its labors. 

That the Society sought the fullest light on the progress of its 
colonial agents is shown by the fact that it availed itself of every 
opportunity outside of the regular channels. Correspondence 
with leading men in the colonies was made use of. In the same 
spirit the colonial governors were again and again consulted. 
In 1712 Col. Francis Nicholson was sent out to the Plantations 
as Queen Anne's special commissioner for several purposes, in- 
cluding those ecclesiastical. 26 Already a member of the S. P. G., 
he was given a special deputation to "enquire into and concern- 
ing the Soc's Missionaries, Schoolmasters, & Catechists, as also 
the state of the Churches, Glebes, Libraries sent by the Soc. 
into the Plantations." 27 His reports were carefully drawn up 
and included, besides observations on the work then in progress, 
recommendations for further activity. Nicholson became Gov- 
ernor of Carolina in 1720 and was again deputized by the Society 
continuing throughout his colonial career its valued friend and 
counselor. 



25 For example, " Also agreed that all Missionaries, Catechists, & Schoolmasters,, 
who have neglected their duty as ordered by the Standing rules, be discharged. 
Comee ordered to enquire as to which Missionaries &c, had broken their Rules." 
March 6, 1715-16, S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 127. For special admonitions to school- 
masters from the Sec, see S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 11, pp. 367-371. 

26 S. P. G. Letter-book B, 1, p. 181; ibid., A, 7, p. 271. 

27 Oct. 17, 1712. Ibid., A, 7, p. 91. Members of the Society in the colonies were 
directed to cooperate with and assist Nicholson to the fullest extent. Ibid., pp. 
275-86, 476-85, 530-67. 



The Society's Regulations Concerning Schoolmasters 61 

About a decade after this the Society attempted to get the 
Bishop of London to enlist the commissaries as regular guard- 
ians or overseers of the schoolmasters. Indeed, all along there 
had been cooperation in this field on the part of the commis- 
saries, but it had been irregular and entirely voluntary. Now 
it was proposed that they should be empowered hereafter to 
receive regularly and examine any complaints that might be 
made against the schoolmasters and transmit the state of such 
matters to the Secretary. 28 Unfortunately the plan was not 
approved by the Bishop, on the ground that it was not within 
his authority to do so. 29 Consequently interest in the schools 
on the part of the Bishop's special representatives continued on 
a voluntary basis. But their assistance in the endeavors for 
promoting education was valuable at all times. So was that of 
the missionaries with very few exceptions. The letters of the 
commissaries were as a rule fuller and freer than those of the 
latter. The information afforded by both these sources to- 
gether with the accounts from the schoolmasters furnished a 
commendable amount of data in view of all the conditioning 
circumstances. In 1742 the state of the schools was deemed 
sufficiently important to be assigned to the consideration of a 
special committee. This was to be made up of "any 3 or more 
of the foil., with any other members who chose to be present: 
Dean of Winchester, Dr. Pelling, Dean of the Arches, Dean of 
Peterborough, Mr. Johnson, Dr. Roper, Dr. Best, Dr. Thomas, 
Mr. Spateman & Dr. Wilson." 30 What its exact status was is 
not clear from available records. It may have been merely 
temporary for the purpose of dealing with special complaints of 
neglect of duty which were then being lodged with the Secretary. 
Action was taken on these complaints, and a report was made 
at the meeting of the following month. 31 Yet this committee 
was further directed to consider "the State of the Society's 
Schools in America," 32 which implies a task that could not have 
been even initiated with any degree of thoroughness in so short 
an existence. If, however, it continued to act there is nothing 
to enable its work to be distinguished from that of the Standing 
Committee. The probability is, then, that there was no change 
in the administrative machinery. 



28 S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 320, Dec. 17, 1731. 

29 Ibid., p. 328, Jan. 21. 1731-2; this has been already referred to, see p. 6. 

30 March 18, 1742-3, ibid., IX, p. 132. 

31 Apr. 15, 1743, ibid., p. 140. 
*2 Ibid., p. 132. 



PART II 

THE SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK BY 
THE S. P. G. 



CHAPTER V 
INTRODUCTORY 

When the S. P. G. began its labors in New York Province 
the followers of the Church of England were in a decided min- 
ority. Sects had been many even from the beginning of English 
occupation, but ministers had been very scarce. 1 The Duke of 
York had maintained a chaplain in the Fort at New York City 2 
and this was the only Church of England influence for more than 
twenty years. Besides the Dutch churches, some twenty Meet- 
ing places were soon established by either Presbyterians or In- 
dependents but above half of them remained vacant. 3 Governor 
Dongan in 1687 reported the following conditions: 

"Every town ought to have a Minister. ; New York has first a Chaplain 
belonging to the Fort, of the Church of England; Secondly, a Dutch Calvin- 
ist, Thirdly, a French Calvinist, Fourthly, a Dutch Lutheran . . . Here 
bee not many of the Church of England; few Roman Catholicks; abundance 
of quakers preachers men & Women especially; Singing Quakers, Ranting 
Quakers; Sabbatarians; Antisabbatarians; Some Anabaptists some Inde- , 
pendents; some Jews; in short of all sorts of opinions there are some. .... 
The great church which serves both the English & the Dutch is within the 
Fort which is found to bee very inconvenient. The most prevailing opinion 
is that of the Dutch Calvinist." 4 

No attempt towards a settlement of the Church was made, it 
appears, until 1693, when, through the power of the Crown in 



» "Ministers have been soe scarce & Religion many that noe acct. cann be given 
of Children's births or christenings." From a report of Gov. Andros 1678, Docu- 
mentary History of New York, I, p. 61. 

2 Ibid. 

3 Ibid. Fully half of these Meeting places were on Long Island. Report of Dr. 
Bray about 1700 to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Hawks Transcripts, G. C. 

4 Feb. 22, 1687, ibid., pp. 116-7. 

63 



64 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

the government of the colony, an Act of Assembly ordained 
that six Protestant Ministers (that is, Episcopal) should be ap- 
pointed for the Province. 5 Trinity Church in New York City 
was founded a few years after this 6 but it was not until 1702 
and by means of the Society's aid that the other churches were 
set up. 7 

In 1701 the population of the Province numbered 25,000. 
They were distributed "in Twenty Five towns; about Ten of 
them Dutch, the rest English." 8 In 1714 the population had 
grown to 45,000. 9 The strength of the Church of England in 
this interval (1701-1714) is indicated by the Vestry of Trinity 
Church in an address to the Archbishop of Canterbury. It 
says, "the greatest part of the Inhabitants of this Province are 
of the Dutch & French reformed Religion or Dissenters & Quak- 
ers & but 3 Countys within the Province would receive a Church 
of England minister, to wit, Queens County, West Chester, & 
Richmond & of these countys but the smallest number goe to 
the worship." 10 Statistics of the period show the same. Fre- 
quenters of the Church were not above 1200 and actual com- 
municants not above 450 in the entire Province. 11 So prepon- 
derant were the Dutch and French languages that one of the 
earliest petitions to the Bishop of London from the assembled 
missionaries of the middle colonies carried a proposal as follows: 
"that their be no preachers permitted to preach among them 
(Dutch & French in the Province of N. Y. N. J. & Penn) but in 
the English Tongue or at least of Episcopal ordination that can 
preach both in English and in their own Tongues, Nor 
any Schoolmasters to teach any Vulgar Languages but the 
English, without a particular license from the Governor. . . . 
This expedient is thought by the Governor to be a likely means 



S"'In the City of New Yorke One in the County of Richmond one in the County 
of Westchester two, one to have the care of Westchester, Eastchester, Yeanches and 
the Manner of Pellham the other to have the care of Rye, Mamaranock and Bed- 
ford, in Queens County two, one to have the care of Jamaica and the adjacent Towns 
and farms the other to have the care of Hempstead and the next adjacent towns 
and farms." Colonial Laws of New York, I, p. 328 S. 

6 1697. 

7 Col. Morris to Sec, Hawks Transcripts, N. Y. I, 92f. 

s Quoted from a report in Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 57. 

9 Caleb Heathcote to Sec, Aug. 24, 1714, Hawks Transcripts, G. C. 

10 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 70, June 24, 1709. 

11 Reported by Heathcote, supra. He further says, "if an exact view was taken 
of all the people from the Western bounds of Pennsylvania, to the Easternmost 
parts of the English settlements, it would be found that to every professed member 
of the Church, there are 40 Dissenters." 



The Support of Schools in New York by the S. P. G. 65 

of uniting the country both in their religious and civil interests." 12 
The religious and intellectual state of the colonists at the close 
of the seventeenth century occasioned many discouraging re- 
ports from officials both of the Crown and of the Society. "I 
am sorry to say it," wrote Governor Bellamont, "but 'tis an 
undoubted truth, the English here are soe profligate that I can- 
not find a man to be trusted, that's capable of business." 13 He 
cites specific cases and then adds, "those that are honest of the 
Dutch, being formerly kept out of imployment and business 
are very ignorant, and can neither speak nor write proper Eng- 
lish." 14 Somewhat later one of the leading men of the Province 
referred to the people of New York, as the scum of New Eng- 
land, 15 having in mind, of course, the English colonists. Another 
addressed to the Society the following view regarding the County 
of West Chester: 15 "I found it the most rude and Heathenish 
Country, I ever saw in my whole Life, which called themselves 
Christians, there being not so much as the least marks or Foot- 
steps of Religion of any Sort. Sundays being the only Time sett 
apart by them for all manner of vain Sports and lewd Diver- 
sions, and they were grown to such a Degree of Rudeness that 
it was intollerable, and having then the command of the Militia, 
I sent an order to all the Captains, requiring them to call their 
Men under Arms, and to acquaint them, that in Case they would 
not in every Town agree amongst themselves to appoint Readers 
and pass the Sabbath in the best Manner they could, till such 
Times as they could be better provided, that they should every 
Sunday call their Companies under arms, and spend the Day in 
Exercise; whereupon it was unanimously agreed on thro' the 
county, to make choice of Readers; which they accordingly did, 
and continued in those Methods for some Time." These pre- 
ceding characterizations are colored no doubt by the almost 
unavoidable prejudices of men of strict orthodox tendencies. 
But they do give an insight into some of the conditions that 
must have been present in New York following the overthrow 
of the Dutch regime. 



12 Petition of Clergy to Bishop of London, Nov. 2, 1705. Hawks Transcripts, G. O. 

13 Apr. 29, 1699. N. Y. Col. Docs., IV, p. 520. 

14 Ibid. 

15 Col. Morris to Sec, Feb. 20, 1711/12, Ecclesiastical Records, III, p. 1910; N. Y. 
Col. Docs., V, p. 318f. 

16 Col. Caleb Heathcote, 1704, quoted in Classified Digest, p. 57. 



66 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

There was a condition of illiteracy at this time certainly greater 
than it could have been in colonies like Massachusetts or Vir- 
ginia. Probably ten per cent of the settlers could not write 
their names. At least, such a proportion of illiterates is shown 
in a petition of Protestants of New York to William III. 17 Lord 
Cornbury reported that most of the Sheriffs were of the same 
stamp, "most of them so ignorant that they can neither reade 
or write." 18 Regarding the education of children he said: "It 
is a melancholy thing to see how the youth are bred up in most 
of these parts." 19 Reports from other sources expressed the 
same concern. Said one: "the Children have no Education but 
what they have from their Parents, which binds them up both 
to their Parents Languages & Principles." 20 Another deplored 
the fact that "the children are running about for want of educa- 
tion as wild, uncultivated and unimproved as the soil was when 
their forefathers first trod it." 21 After the second decade of the 
eighteenth century there are not many complaints about the 
state of general intelligence. The missionary at Brookhaven 
on Long Island, for instance, found that the prejudices of educa- 
tion were not easy to overcome. This was in 1726. 22 Twenty 
years thereafter his successor informed the Society that the 
people of his parish were "generally dull and illiterate & too 
little disposed to receive instruction either by reading or other- 
wise." 23 In 1747, also, the Churchwardens and Vestry of Staten 
Island deplored the "undisciplined, rude and unpolished" youth 
of that place. 24 Such reports as these, however, stand out as 
the exception rather than the rule in the abundant correspondence 
which the Society received from New York between 1750 and 
1780. 25 



17 Dec. 30, 1701. 687 persons signed of whom 61 made their marks. Ecclesiastical 
Records, III, p. 1486. 

18 Cornbury to the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, Sept. 27, 
1702. Documents relating to the Colonial History of N. Y., IV, p. 972. 

19 Letter to Sec, Nov. 29, 1707. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 3, p. 155. 

20 Letter of Mr. Mackenzie, missionary on Staten Island, to Sec, Nov. 8, 1705, 
Ibid., 2, p. 116. 

21 Mr. Thomas, missionary at Hempstead, to Sec, Feb. 20, 1711/12, ibid., 7, p. 141. 

22 Thos. Standard to Sec, Oct. 1726, ibid., 19, p. 404. 

23 Isaac Browne to Sec, March 25, 1746, ibid., B, 13, p. 283. 

24 Address to the S. P. G., Feb. 24, 1746/7, ibid., 15, p. 124. 

25 As late as 1762 Myles Cooper, who afterwards succeeded Samuel Johnson as 
President of King's College, wrote back to England the following: "By the little 
that I have had an opportunity of seeing I am afraid that ye State of Learning is not 
very high among us." Lambeth Archives, 1123, III, fol. 284. But it is very prob- 
able that Cooper was too recently from the atmosphere and traditions of Oxford to 
be able to avoid using for comparison the standards of that great seat of learning. 



The Support of Schools in New York by the S. P. G. 67 

Religious and intellectual conditions were made more dis- 
couraging by the people's manifest dislike of being taxed in any 
way for their improvement. Governor Dongan found that 
congregations, especially on Long Island, did not like to tax 
themselves to pay their ministers 26 and the missionaries had the 
greatest difficulty in getting any aid for themselves or for build- 
ing churches. '■ The people are more apt to receive than to give, " 
and they "think it a hardship to pay their dues," wrote Mr. 
Bartow, missionary at West Chester. 27 So in the matter of 
schools. There was a decided lack of enthusiasm for them in 
various places, caused by the objection to paying anything for 
their support. The following sent from Hempstead is to the 
point: "You desire an Account of the State of our Schools; 
Wee had a Schoolmaster settled among us for two years & a 
half, now we are destitute the people being utterly weary of the 
Subscription I had engaged them in; I hope in God's due time 
to induce them to settle another; I shall not be wanting to con- 
tribute towards it both by purse & persuasion as heretofore. " a 
The complaint illustrates a general disinclination that had to 
be contended with throughout the century. 29 In other places 
sectarian prejudices caused not only an indifference to schools 
under the support of any other denomination but at times an 
active opposition to them. Rye had difficulty in getting a 
school erected for the S. P. G. master on account of a Presby- 
terian "love of distinction." 30 Rival schools were sometimes 
set up rather than have dissenters' children in the Society's 
schools. 31 Finally the poor condition of the majority of the 
colonists made it sometimes hard to assume any burdens that 
could be avoided or, indeed, to spare their children from the 
fields though free schooling were offered. Because of such con- 
ditions in West Chester County, Col. Heathcote advised the 
Society that "there are very few who are able to spare their 
children's time more than to learn to read & write & those who 



26 Report on the Province of New York, Feb. 22, 1687, Documentary Hist. New 
York, I, pp. 116-7. 

27 Letter to the Sec, Aug. 14, 1706, Hawks Transcripts, New York, I, p. 125. 

28 Mr. Thomas to Sec, June 12, 1709, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 4. 

29 See, for example, S. P. G. Journal, III, pp. 189, 401. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 
12, p. 364; 18, p. 193. 

30 Flint Dwight, schoolmaster, to Sec, Nov. 12, 1735, S. P. G. Letter-book. A. 26. 
p. 75. 

31 Thomas Temple, schoolmaster to Sec, Hempstead, June 20, 1744, ibid., B, 13, 
p. 245. Samuel Purdy, schoolmaster, to Sec, Rye, Dec. 6. 1744, ibid., p. 268; also 
Dec 30, 1747, ibid., 15, p. 116. 



68 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

can afford to do more, of wch there are not 6 in the whole 
County, have ye benefit of the New York Schools wch is but 20 
or 30 miles from them." 32 In 1709 it was reported that the 
poor on Staten Island could not be benefited by the schools 
there through their inability to pay any stated fee, 33 and a similar 
condition was reported of places on Long Island shortly there- 
after. 34 

In 1713, one of the most interesting educational documents 
of eighteenth century New York, written by John Sharpe, Chap- 
lain of the King's forces, thus summed up the status of educa- 
tion in the Province: "There is hardly any thing which is more 
wanted in this Country than learning there being no place I know 
of in America where it is either less encouraged or regarded." 35 
With reference to conditions in the City itself, this document 
described the educational interest in the following terms: 

"The City is so conveniently Situated for Trade and the Genius of the people 
are so inclined to merchandise, that they generally seek no other Education 
for their children than writing and Arithmetick. So that letters must be in 
a manner forced upon them not only without their seeking, but against their 
consent, and there is no doubt but as the youth are very Ingenious, Subtile 
and of quick Capacities, it would in a short time gain upon their inclinations. 
The Improvement of a few would stir up Emulation not only in the Children 
but in their parents, and the happy influence would reach the most distant 
parts of the province." 

The first provision made for education, following the English 
occupation of the Province, was the extension of the educational 
requirements of the apprenticeship system which was then in 
force in England. The Duke of York's laws laid down the fol- 
lowing specification for the welfare of apprenticed children and 
servants: 

"The Constable and Overseers are strictly required frequently to admonish 
the Inhabitants of Instructing their Children and Servants in matters of 
religion, and the Laws of the Country, And that the Parents and Masters 
do bring up their Children and Apprentices in Some Honest Lawful Calling, 
Labour or Employment. And if Any Children become Rude Stubborn or 
Unruly, refusing to hearken to the voice of their parents or Masters the 
Constable and Overseers, (where no Justice of the Peace shall happen to 
dwell within Ten Miles of said Town or Parish) have power upon the com- 
plaint of their Parents or Masters to Call before them such an Offender, and 
to Inflict such Corporal punishment as the merit of the fact in their Judge- 
ment shall deserve, not exceeding Ten Stripes, provided that such Children 
and Servants be of Sixteen years of age." 36 



32 Oct. 13, 1704, ibid.. A, 2, p. 38. Similarly. Samuel Purdy to Sec, Rye, July 
16. 1738, ibid., B, 7, p. 145. 
83 Mr. McKenzie to Sec, June 13. 1709, ibid., A, 5, p. 18. 
M s. P. G. Journal, II, p. 353. 

35 Proposals for Erecting a School, Library and Chapel at New York, March 11, 
1712/13, Lambeth Archives, 841, fol. 18. 

36 Colonial Laws of New York, I, p. 26. 



The Support of Schools in New York by the S. P. G. 69 

In addition to the safeguarding of apprentices, schoolmasters 
who desired to set up schools were required to have the license 
of the governor. From 1686 to 1709 definite instructions were 
given the successive governors, beginning with Governor Dongan, 
as follows: 

"38. And wee doe further direct that noe schoolmaster bee henceforth 
permitted to come from England & to keep school within our province of 
New York, without the license of the said Archbishop of Canterbury; And 
that noe other person now there or that shall come from other parts, bee ad- 
mitted to keep school without your license first had." 37 

Just what the license required of the applicant is not clear. 
There is nothing to show that examinations preceded the license. 
Probably, then, it depended on the caprice of the governors, 
backed up by such testimonials as they might specify. Lord 
Cornbury was undoubtedly the most rigorous of them all in 
adhering to these orders from the Crown, applying it even to the 
Dutch schools, though they claimed exemption under their early 
grants of privileges. 38 Clews 39 and Pratt 40 have collected from 
the manuscripts of deeds in the archives of the Secretary of 
State, about thirteen of these licenses issued by Cornbury between 
1704 and 1706. But this number does not represent the school- 
masters in active service during Cornbury's administration by 
at least eight. 41 Two licenses issued in 1712 by Governor Hunter 
are to be found in Clews. It is safe to say that fewer licenses 
were required by schoolmasters in his governorship, but two is 
hardly a correct representation. Following governors did not 
continue to exercise the function. The extent of the power of 
the Bishop of London to license has been already mentioned. 42 
In so far as schoolmasters or men in deacon's orders were sent 



37 "Instructions to our trusty and welbeloved Thomas Dongan Esq', Our Captain 
General and Gov r in chief in and over our Province of New York and the Territorys 
depending thereon in America. Given at our Court at Windsor this 29th day of 
May in ye second year of our Reigne, " (1686). Docs. rel. Col. Hist. N. Y., op. cit.. 
Ill, p. 372; Clews, op. cit., p. 227. All other instructions named the Bishop of Lon- 
don instead of the Archbishop as above in accordance with the extension of the 
Bishop of London's jurisdiction to America. For other Instructions, see: Governor 
Sloughter, Jan 31 1689, Docs. rel. Col. Hist. N. Y., op. cit.. Ill, p. 688; Governor 
Fletcher, March 7, 1691/2, ibid., p. 821; Governor Richard, Earl of Bellamont, Aug. 
31, 1697, ibid., p. 288; Governor Hunter, Dec. 27, 1709, ibid. V, p. 135. Governor 
Lord Cornbury 1702, see previous citation; also Ecclesiastical Records, III, pp. 
1487-8. 

38 See Articles of Capitulation 1664, granting liberty of Church discipline, Ec. 
Rec. op. cit., p. 557; and its reaffirmation 1674, ibid., p. 662. See also, rights and 
privileges in the Charter of the Dutch Reformed Church, 1696, ibid., p. 1153. 

39 Colonial Educational Legislation, p. 235f. 

40 Annals of Public Education inN.Y., p. 87f. 

41 Wm. Huddleston to Sec, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 4, pp. 57-8. 

42 See p. 6. 



70 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

out to New York, they were subjected to a series of qualifica- 
tions much higher than any which were imposed in the colonies. 
They had to meet the regulations for schoolmasters prescribed 
by the S. P. G. 43 To this extent, therefore, it can be held that 
the Society's schoolmasters, in part at least, represented higher 
certification than did those of any other English schools. 44 

The first proposal for education by means of legislative enact- 
ment was made in 1691. A bill was proposed in the Assembly 
"to appoint a schoolmaster for the educating and instructing 
of Children and youth, to read and write English, in every town 
in the Province." 45 This did not become law. No further 
action was taken until the coming of Lord Cornbury as gover- 
nor. In his first address to the Assembly, Oct. 20 1702, he 
urged "the erecting of Public Schools in proper places." 46 A 
movement was at once set on foot which resulted in the enact- 
ment of "An Act for Encouragement of a Grammar Free School 
in the city of New York," Nov. 27, 1702. 47 The interest of the 
Church in this measure is shown by the final clause which de- 
clared: "Provided alwayes, that such Schoolmaster shall, from 
time to time as vacancy happens, be chosen and recommended 
to the Comon Council of the said city for the time being, in 
order to be lycensed and approved by the Right Hon'able the 
Bishop of London or the Governour or Commander in Chief of 
this Province, for the time being, anything herein contained to 
the contrary thereof in any ways notwithstanding." 48 When 
the small percentage of the friends of the Church in the total 
population is taken into consideration, it may be questioned how 
the Episcopalian influence could have shown such strength. 
Whatever other reasons might be given, it seems evident that 
the directing hand of Cornbury in the government at this time 
was a fortunate thing for the Church and the Society. 

Complying with the spirit and the letter of the Act, the Com- 
mon Council of the city of New York petitioned Governor Corn- 



43 See pp. 58 and 60. 

44 This certainly would hold true when applied to the Plantations as a whole. It 
may also hold true of the Dutch schools in New York. 

45 Journal of the General Assembly of the Colony of New York, I, p. 7, quoted by 
Clews, op. cit., p. 277. 

46 Ecclesiastical Records, III, p. 1502. 

47 Colonial Laws of New York, I, pp. 516-7. The act provided a salary of £50 
per annum "for the space or term of Seven Yeares. " 

48 ibid. This provision did not go through unopposed. For the attempt to change 
it, see Ecclesiastical Records, III, pp. 1509-10. 



The Support of Schools in New York by the S. P. G. 71 

bury to use his influence with the Bishop of London and the 
S. P. G. for the procurement of a schoolmaster, the Council 
being of the opinion that there was no available person in the 
city "proper and duly qualified to take upon him the office of 
schoolmaster of said city." 49 Governor Cornbury responded to 
the Council's request by the following interesting letter in which 
he made so apparent his desire to advance the Church's efforts 
for religious education: 

"Since mine to your LP of the 15th Instant the mayor & Common Council 
of this City have been w* 11 me to desire me to recomend a fit Person to be 
Schoolmaster of a Free School which is to be Settled here att the charges of 
the City, they will allow him 50 1 p. An. besides his Lodging. I therefore 
Intreat your LP will send a good Sober Man fit for that purpose. I could 
wish he were in holy Orders, then he may be assisting to Mr. Vesey. Be- 
sides it will be one good Step towards bringing up the youth in y e Service of 
the Church of England, to begin w th the Prayers of the Church every Morn- 
ing. I think if y r LP pleases it ought to be a sober & grave man at the first 
beginning, & not too young a man, lest by the heat of his youth he may 
prejudice too good a design, which if well settled att first can't fail of good 
success. But this I submit to your LdP s better Judgement." 50 

The grammar school was opened early in 1704 by Mr. George 
Muirson, 51 who had been sent over to be schoolmaster at 
Albany. 52 In detaining him at New York, Cornbury explained 
that " there being no allowance yet settled for a Schoolmaster 
there & there being Fifty pounds a year settled here by Act of 
Assembly for a Schoolmaster in this City, I stopped him here 
for some time and ye rather because when he arrived here there 
were several youths going to be sent to Boston, wch I thought 
would be better to prevent, by stoping Mr. Muirson here." 53 
But Muirson served only a few months. About November 
1704 he returned to England to secure Holy Orders which he had 
come without. 54 Thus he hoped to qualify himself to be as- 
sistant to the Rector of Trinity Church. 55 Though his behaviour 



49 Minutes of the Common Council of New York, II, pp. 517, 519, 520; also quoted 
in Pratt, op. cit., pp. 85-6, and Clews, op. cit., p. 235. 

w Cornbury to the Bishop of London, Dec. 21, 1702, S. P. G. Letter-book, I, p.90. 
Mr. Vesey was the Rector of Trinity Church and the Bishop of London's Commissary 
for the Province. 

51 Cornbury issued a license to him Apr. 25, 1704, and he seems to have taken up 
his duties forthwith. For license, see Clews, op. cit., p. 235. 

52 Cornbury to Sec, Nov. 6, 1704, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 28. 
& Ibid. 

54 This honor, it appears, had not been given before on the ground that Muirson 
was not University trained. Archbishop of York to Sec, June 30, 1703, ibid., I, p. 
94. But the requests from Cornbury and others overcame this prejudice, Ibid., 2, 
p. 44. 

55 Ibid., p. 76. 



72 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

as schoolmaster "was exceeding well" 56 his suddenly leaving the 
school stirred up such opposition to him and Mr. Vesey, 57 that 
his retention of the schoolmaster's position seemed "likely to 
be of very ill Consequence to the Church." 58 The Society there- 
fore appointed him missionary at Eye 59 upon his return in 1705. 
After a lapse of over a half a year, Muirson was succeeded by 
Andrew Clarke who was sent over with the certificate of the 
Bishop of London in May 1705. 60 A license to teach was granted 
him by Lord Cornbury on August 14, 1705, which date probably 
marks the beginning of his teaching. 61 In 1708 Clarke was 
still in charge of the school, having "33 scholars" under his in- 
struction. 62 In addition to the £50 per annum from the govern- 
ment he was receiving from each scholar the usual quarterly 
fee. 63 Just how long Clarke continued in this work or when 
the grammar school came to an end, the writer has not been 
able to definitely determine. By 1712 Clarke had gone into 
the employ of the Receiver General of the Province, as is in- 
dicated by the following extract from the minutes of the Com- 
mon Council : 

" Mr. Andrew Clarke who was lately Elected Constable of the South Ward 
personally Appeared before this Court and Acquainted them that he could 
not serve in that Office by reason he was Imployed by the Receiver General 
of this Colony in Collecting her Majesties quitt Rents, it is therefore Order'd 
that the said Andrew Clarke do pay the fine for his said Refusal and that the 
Mayor Issue his Warrant to the Alderman of the said Ward to Elect another 
fitt person on Tuesday Next to serve in the said office for the year Ensueing. " 64 

Sometime between 1708 and 1712, accordingly, Clarke's work 
in the school came to an end. At least it is possible that the 
"Grammar Free School" had an existence which lasted until 
1712. There is reason to believe that he continued beyond 
1708. His condition was certainly not an unhappy one. In- 
deed he had been, apparently, the best paid schoolmaster then 
in New York City, having, in addition to his fixed salary, the 



56 Ibid., also p. 27. 

57 Ibid., p. 76; also pp. 75, 77. 

58 Ibid. 

59 Ibid., p. 126; also S. P. G. Journal, I, pp. 186, 190. 

60 On May 2, 1705 he was granted the usual Royal bounty of £20 towards defraying 
the charge of his passage to New York whither he was going as schoolmaster. Fother- 
gill, op. cit., p. 20. 

61 Pratt, op. cit., p. 88. 

62 Wm. Huddleston to Sec, July 15, 1708, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 4, p. 58. 

63 Ibid. That is, the same fee which private schoolmasters were then receiving. 

64 Oct. 25, 1712. Quoted by Pratt, op. cit., p. 89. 



The Support of Schools in New York by the S. P. G. 73 

fees from his thirty-three pupils. 65 If the salary of £50 ceased 
in 1709, as the act would indicate, there was still reason for his 
continuing in the school. Huddleston, moreover, referred to 
Clarke's salary as having been allowed "for some years yet to 
come." 66 This was in 1708. There is no record of any such 
allowance by the government, so Huddleston may have 
been in error; or he may have intended to imply that the salary 
had been allowed for some years following the date of the enact- 
ment. On the other hand it is not impossible that the school- 
master had reference to facts of which there are no available 
records at present. When, after many years, educational legis- 
lation was next adopted, the Assembly referred to this first ex- 
periment in the following indefinite words: "the not rightly 
applying of a temporary Salary heretofore allowed for a free 
school, has been the Chief Cause that an Encouragement for the 
like purpose has ever since been neglected." 67 

It was not until 1732 that the government renewed any direct 
interest in education. In October of that year an act was passed 
"to encourage a Public School in the city of New York for teach- 
ing Latin, Greek and Mathematicks. ,m The school was es- 
tablished for a period of five years and provision was made for 
free tuition to twenty youths in the proportion of ten for the city 
and county of New York, two for the city and county of Albany, 
and one for each of the counties of King, Queen, Suffolk, West- 
chester, Richmond, Orange, Ulster, and Dutchess. 69 The act 
itself appointed as master Mr. Alexander Malcolm 70 who, since 
1731, 71 had been keeping "a private school within the said city," 
and who had "given a Satisfactory proof of his Abilities to teach 
Latin Greek and the Mathematicks." 72 In 1737 the school was 
continued for one year longer by another act, 73 and then aban- 
doned by the government and by Malcolm, who went to London, 
was ordained, and became a missionary of the Society. 74 The 



65 According to Huddleston, no private teacher had that number of pupils in 1708, 
among the English schools of the city. See letter above. 
ee Ibid. 

67 See Preamble to Act of 1732, Col. Laws, N. Y., op. cit., II, p. 813. 

68 IMd. 

69 Ibid. 

70 ibid. 

71 Petition of Malcolm to Society, Dec. 21, 1739, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 267. 
»2 Prom preamble of the act, Col. Laws, N. Y. op. cit., II, p. 813. 

73 Passed Dec. 16, 1737, ibid., p. 973 f. 

74 S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 107. 



74 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

funds vouchsafed by the two laws were not realized and Mal- 
colm left with about half of his promised salary unpaid. 75 To 
the S. P. G., he reported the following: "That your Petitioner 
has lived these last eight years in the City of New York, Province 
of New York, in America, teaching the Latin and Greek lan- 
guages, & the Mathematicks. But finding this kind of Educa- 
tion less valued and encouraged in that Young Colony than it 
ought to be, and than he had reason to expect from the Invita- 
tions and promises that drew him thither, he is desirous to go 
into Holy Orders." 76 

This attempt ended all official interest in the field of secondary 
education. There are evidences that such schools were privately 
conducted in various parts of the colony and, as a rule, for short 
intermittent periods. A few of these were undertaken in dif- 
ferent places by the agents of the S. P. G. to improve their in- 
adequate incomes. 77 Between 1716 and 1722, a Grammar 
school was persumably conducted in the city of New York by 
Rev. Robert Jenney. The records are definite as to half of the 
time at least. It was closely allied to the Society, through its 
master, though it was an entirely private venture. Jenney had 
been a chaplain in the Royal navy 78 and had been enrolled in 
the work of the S. P. G. as a schoolmaster in Philadelphia. 79 In 
1716 he was dismissed from the service of the Society and served 
as chaplain to the King's forces in New York until 1722. 80 Then 
he was made the Society's missionary at Rye and Hempstead re- 
spectively. He wrote the Society in 1717 that he began first to 
teach "Latin Greek &c. for the service of a particular Friend 
only," but "his design had now become more universal" and 
had "in great measure removed that aversion to Literature 
beyond writing and Arithmetick, which did generally possess the 
Minds of the people." Though he had few pupils these were 
"the chief of the English Dutch & French." 81 On Sept. 15, 
1718, Mr. Jenney's scholars were assigned regular seats in 



75 See an act passed Nov. 3, 1740, to reimburse Mr. Malcolm for £lll-7s-6d, back 
pay. Col. Laws. N. Y., op. cit., Ill, pp. 86-7. 

76 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 267. 

77 See following pages. 

78 Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 852. 

78 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 4, p. 10. From here he went to New York as the S. P. G. 
assistant to Vesey, 1715-1716. Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 108. 

so Ibid., 14, p. 129; Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 855; Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 
112. His dismissal was due to temporary economy on the part of the Society. Ibid. 

si Jenney to Sec, Nov. 4, 1717, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 12, p. 350. 



The Support of Schools in New York by the S. P. G. 75 

Trinity Church, 82 and a year later the school is still referred to 
in the Society's correspondence. 83 Another Grammar school 
somewhat affiliated with the work of the Society was founded 
in 1763. It was established by the College authorities to serve 
as a special preparatory centre for the higher institution. The 
lack of an efficient one was a drawback to the College. Re- 
ferring to the large entering class of 1763, President Myles Cooper 
wrote: "I wish their learning were equal to their numbers, but 
in both we must expect to be deficient, 'till such Times as Schools 
in this Country are better conducted than they are at present. 
Indeed, the Governors of this College have come to a Resolu- 
tion for establishing one under their own immediate Inspec- 
tion." 84 And soon after Samuel Johnson, the retired president, 
wrote: "They have now at last established a good Grammar 
School, for want of which the College has much suffered. " 85 It 
was deemed necessary to go to Boston in order to secure a worthy 
master for the school. 86 His arrival was thus announced to the 
Archbishop of Canterbury, by President Cooper: "The School- 
master whom we expected, is arrived, and has begun with very 
good Success. The Number of his Scholars already amounts to 
upwards of twenty and several more are engaged so that I am 
in great Hopes of soon having an Augmentation to the College; 
and not only so, but likewise of seeing the pupils much better 
qualified for admission, than ever we have yet found them." 87 

The writer has here assumed that there was at least one 
Grammar school in the city at this time and that the action of 
the Governors of the College was not because of the reverse 
condition. Reports of the Society's schoolmasters show that 
one or more Latin schools were conducted between 1741 and 
1762. These of course, were of a private nature. 88 While no 
report could be found later than 1762, the supposition is strong 



82 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, pp. 115-116. 

83 Thos. Barclay to Sec, May 25, 1719. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 452. 

84 Letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury, June 23, 1763, Lambeth Archives, 1123, 
III, p. 311. 

85 Aug. 10, 1763, ibid., p. 316. 

86 Ibid., p. 311. 

87 Sept. 23, 1763, ibid., p. 324. 

88 These reports show for 1741, one Latin school; for 1742, one; for 1745, one; for 
1747, one; for 1748, one; for 1749, two; for 1750, one; for 1751, one on March 28; for 
1751, two on Dec. 9; for 1752, two; for 1761, two; for 1762, two. See reports of 
Thomas Noxon and of Joseph Hildreth, schoolmasters to Society, S. P. G. Letter- 
book, B, 9, p. 64; B, 10, p. 69; B. 13, p. 221; B, 15, pp. 88, 120; B, 16, pp. 44, 54; B, 
17, p. 98; B, 18, p. 100; B, 19, pp. 68, 70; B, 20, pp. 58, 59; B, 3, pp. 153, 155. Re- 
ports covering other years are not to be found in the Society's archives. 



76 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

that secondary education did not then abruptly cease. Doubt- 
less it was represented among the schools of the city up to the 
Revolutionary period. 

In legislative provisions for elementary education, New York 
was a poor contrast to Massachusetts, where every village had 
its school supported, in whole or in part, by the public. No 
effective governmental action in behalf of these was carried out 
during the entire period of English occupation. In the early 
decades of the eighteenth century private elementary schools 
were gradually set up in the towns and villages generally, but 
they were not continuously maintained by any means. The 
S. P. G. found at the outset of its work a great lack of English 
schools, and frequent mention was made of this in the letters 
to the Secretary. 89 Bray in 1700 emphasized this drawback to 
the contemplated activity of the Church in the Province and 
said in his report: "It will be further requisite to have free 
Schools erected at least one in every county, for the Education 
of their Children." 90 Keith's report to the Society, made two 
years thereafter following a survey of the field, declared there 
was "no School house yet erected in this Province" which 
"though it hath a great number of inhabitants, could never yet 
obtain a public legally Established School." This report further 
stated: "There is yet no provision for Schoolmasters made by 
law . . . and till then the Church of England Schoolmaster in the 
county of New York as heretofore, will be supported by the 
voluntary contributions of those whose children are instructed 
by him; notwithstanding it is humbly conceived that an annual 
Pension for the support and further encouragement of some 
Ministers and Schoolmasters in poor Towns will be of great use 
and service to the Church." 91 The unstable conditions of school- 
keeping prevalent in 1707 were set forth by Col. Caleb Heath- 
cote, in a manner that seems fairly representative. He said: 
"As for my giving an account of the number of Schools I can 
assure you 'tis very difficult being so uncertain, some places 
having a Schoolmaster for a year at a time, and then perhaps 



89 For example: "The greatest Disadvantage of ye Church in this Island is ye 
want of an English School for the Children." Mr. Mackenzie to Sec, Nov. 8, 
1705, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 116. 

90 "A General View of the English Colonies in America, with respect to Religion; 
in order to show what Provision is wanting for the Propagation of Christianity in 
those Parts," prefixed to "Apostolick Charity etc., op. cit. 

91 "Account of the State of the Church in North America, by Mr. George Keith, 
and others," Nov. 1702. Quoted in Pratt, op. cit., pp. 96-97. 



The Support of Schools in New York by the S. P. G. 77 

none in 7 years after, and many towns and places have never 
had any since their Settlement, that no regular Scheme can be 
found on that account, all that I am able to tell you is in Gen- 
eral, that nothing is more wanting in America than helps of that 
Nature and that I may not fall short in any Information I can 
give you, I will endeavour agst my next to get a List of all the 
Schoolmasters in the province." 92 If such a list was ever sent 
by Heathcote, there is no present record of it. However, an 
account of schools was furnished subsequently by Mr. Huddles- 
ton, a schoolmaster in the city of New York. It refers only to 
English schools and is probably incomplete even for them, but 
it is doubtless one of the fullest accounts that is available for 
the period. After giving the data concerning Andrew Clarke's 
Grammar school, cited just above, the report continues: 

"Mr. Cornelius Lodge hath about 20 Scholars; Mr. John Stevens 28 Scho- 
lars; Mr. John Bashford 8 Scholars and I have about 30 and no more since 
these new Masters taught, People here being fond of Novelties, so that by 
this Acco* you may see that there are but 119 Boys taught by all the five 
Masters whereas I have heretofore for several years (as may appear by Testi- 
monials heretofore presented to the Venerable Society) taught sixty Boys 
myself, and I am certain with as much satisfaction to their Parents as is now 
given, and as many Boys appeared in the Church as now generally do; I have 
nothing to charge any of the Gentlemen with but that they are all ingenious 
diligent and good men, but I am humbly of opinion that only two Masters 
betwixt whom if there were a right understanding might live well of their 
business, and wou'd be sufficient to discharge all that duty which now the 
five masters spend their time upon; and can but live very poorly thereon. 
On Long Island in King's County being generally Dutch there is no School 
Master. In Queens County at Jamaica at present I think there is one; At 
Flushing in the said County there is one Thomas Meeken a Quaker, teaches 
the people of that Town being mostly Quakers; I understand they allow him 
thirty pounds per Ann. 93 At Hempstead in the said County one Mr. Alex- 
ander Beard teaches, and hath about 20 Scholars as he told me and hath £34 
per ann. by Subscriptions besides a House and some Lands while he teaches. 
In Suffolk County at Southhold Thomas Huddleston 94 who is my Brother is 
lately settled and hath by Subscription £30 per Ann, he hath 20 Scholars. 
At Southampton in the said County there is a Gentleman teaches but being 
a great distance from where I five have not as yet informed myself of his Name 
and Condition of his school; At West Chester I am informed is a School 
Master but know not his name at present. And in the said County at Rye 
teaches my Cozen Mr. Joseph Cleator whose incouragement your Hono 1 " 3 
is acquainted with. At Staten Island in Richmond County is no English 
School Master that I know of having enquired therein. At Kingston in 
Ulster County no English Schoolmaster at present the people being mostly 
Dutch. At the City of Albany in said Colony there is a Soldier belonging 
to the Garrison teaches but what quantity of scholars he hath I know not." 9 5 



92 Letter to the Sec, Dec. 18, 1707, ibid., 3, p. 161. 

93 Onderdonk, Hist. Grace Church, Jamaica L. I., has Thomas Makin, teaching 
there in 1709. Quoted by Pratt, op. cit., p. 94. 

94 Licensed for Jamaica, Aug. 29, 1705. Pratt, op. cit., p. 92. 

95 Letter to the Sec, July 15, 1708, ibid., 4, p. 58. The number 119 above includes 
the 33 under Clarke. 



78 



The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 



Subsequent letters from the Society's missionaries and school- 
masters made occasional reference to other neighboring schools. 96 
When the Notitia Scholastica came to be used, schools were re- 
ported in a more regular manner, but enough negligence was 
shown in this respect to make the Notitiae untrustworthy as a 
complete record for most places. A marked exception to this, 
fortunately, is the information furnished by Mr. Noxon and 
Mr. Hildreth in their reports of schools in New York City. Six- 
teen of these Notitiae are preserved, covering the years given on a 
preceding page. 97 Besides the grammar schools and their own 
charity school, Noxon and Hildreth report the following: 98 

+ Dec. 17 May 22 Nov. 29 Nov. 21 Julv 16 Jan. 8 

1741 1742 1742 1745 1747 1747/8 

Dutch Schools 1 1 1 3 2 2 

English do 6 7 9 6 6 7 

French do 1 1 2 2 1 

Hebrew do 

March 26 Nov. 6 Apr. 1 Apr. 6 March 28 

1748 1748 1749 1750 1751 

Dutch Schools 1 1 1 1 1 

English do 8 7 9 9 10 

French do 1 1 1 1 1 

Hebrew do 1 

Dec. 9 Apr. 10 Oct. 28 Dec. 22 May 11 

1751 1752 1752 1761 1762 

Dutch Schools 2 2 2 2 2 

English do 10 10 10 12 10 

French do 1 1 1 2 1 

Hebrew do 1 1 1 1 

From the accounts of Hildreth and other agents of the S. P. G. 
there is a basis for believing that between 1740 and 1775 both 
the city and the province enjoyed school facilities probably 
comparable with the other provinces, except those of New Eng- 



96 At least one other English schoolmaster was teaching in the city of New York by 
1708, as the following shows: "The purport of this letter is to recommend the bearer 
Mr. John Humphreys, a Graduate of Trinity College near Dublin, to the Honorable 
Society, as a sober & discreet person and one that has approved himself very indus- 
trious and diligent in the management of a School in the City of New York where he 
has lived these two years last past and discharged himself so well that I thought fit 
in conjunction with several of the Clergy in these parts to recommend him to my 
Lord Bishop of London for Holy Orders which I do without favour or affection or 
the last partiality." Rev. Mr. Evans to Sec, Philadelphia, July 12, 1710. Ibid., 
A, 5, p. 146. 

97 1741 to 1762, see p. 75. 

98 For references see footnote p. 75. 



The Support of Schools in New York by the S. P. G. 79 

land." But, being private ventures, the schools were most ir- 
regular and were almost constantly being interrupted, except in 
the city itself. This resulted in a serious handicap to any se- 
quence of instruction for the children, as they changed from one 
master to another after the lapse of altogether too long intervals. 



99 Valentine, History of the City of New York. p. 398, gives a list of schoolmasters 
in the city between 1695 and the Revolutionary War. There are 34 names in the 
list one of which, Hildreth, was employed by the S. P. G. Of the others four seem 
to be Dutch. The files of the newspapers of the period and much of the other data 
in the archives of the New York Historical Society point to the same conclusion. 



CHAPTER VI 

THE SOCIETY'S CHARITY SCHOOL IN THE CITY OF 

NEW YORK 

With the exception of the employment of a Catechist in 1704, 
the S. P. G. began its support of schools in the city of New York 
early in 1706. This was done through a gratuity of "£10 in money 
and £5 in tracts" voted to William Huddleston, schoolmaster 
of that place. 1 Mr. Huddleston had been a private schoolmaster 
for many years before this, 2 although the exact date of the start- 
ing of his school is not known. He was in New York from the 
founding of Trinity Church and was an active worker in its 
affairs, holding the office of clerk at least from Jan. 27, 1697/8, 
if not from the very beginning. 3 From June 30, 1697 until 1714 
he was almost continuously a vestryman of the church. 4 His 
name occurs frequently on the committees for inspecting the 
work of the church building 5 and for collecting funds. 6 As 
clerk he received a salary of £20 "currant money of New York" 7 
at first, which in 1704 was increased to £30, 8 the same to be paid 
quarterly " during the time he officiated as the Clerk of 
the Church. " 9 Lord Cornbury found Mr. Huddleston engaged 
in keeping a school upon his arrival in 1702, 10 and the Rector 
of Trinity on June 9, 1702 wrote of him: "the Schoolmaster, 
Mr. Huddlestone brings all his scholars to Church in order, & 



i S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (11). 

2 Vesey to Sec, Nov. 21, 1705, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 130; also Heathcote 
to do., Nov. 14, 1705, ibid., p. 118. 

3 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 14. 

4 Ibid., p. 2. Between these dates his name appears in the list of members present 
on an average of at least two meetings in three. 

5 Ibid., p. 2 fit. 

6 Ibid., p. 18 fl. 

7 Ibid., p. 14. 

8 Ibid., p. 48. Berrian (History of Trinity Church p. 49) states the £20 was his 
compensation as Clerk of the Vestry and £10 as clerk of the Church. 

9 Ibid. 

io S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 132. Berrian, op. cit., p. 34 is very misleading in 
his reference to Huddleston. Evidently he did not consult the Vestry Minutes with 
care. 

80 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 81 

these I have formed, with many others, into 3 distinct classes, 
according to Dr. Bray's proposal, by which means I hope, out 
of different nations, to compose the most glorious church in 
America." 11 On Dec. 28, 1702 the Vestry "Ordered that John 
Welsh, Wm. Welsh the Sexton's third Son be kept at School on 
the Churches Account and thirty six shillings be paid by the 
Church Wardens to Mr. Wm. Huddleston for his Schooling the 
last year, the Boy attending the churches service on the Lords 
Day and other Holydays." 12 Two months later it was again 
"Ordered that Wm. Huddleston's Accot of £2: 19: 3 for teaching 
Wm. Welsh to read and write be allowed and paid by the Church 
Wardens." 13 From these various citations, therefore, it is 
evident that Trinity School rests on a private school origin that 
dates many years prior to the usually accepted date of its found- 
ing in 1709. 14 Indeed it is presumable that when Mr. Vesey in 
his letter of 1705, 16 spoke of Huddleston's having been school- 
master "many years,." he referred to this early origin. Any 
doubt in the matter, however, is entirely swept away by the 
declaration of Huddleston himself, in a petition to the Society 
July 9, 1709, setting forth his service for twenty years in teach- 
ing school without any settled salary. 16 We have, therefore, 
positive evidence that the origin of the school, on or before 
1689, antedates the origin of Trinity Church itself. Again 
there is an indication in the citations that, as "the Schoolmaster," 
Mr. Huddleston enjoyed the particular favor of the Church's 
official recognition. 17 

The school met with marked success, for it reached an enrol- 
ment of sixty boys. 18 In time competing schools reduced the 
number of Huddleston's pupils to thirty. 19 It was in view of 
this, perhaps, that the aid of the S. P. G. was sought. In 1705 

ii S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 112. 
12 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 43. 
w Ibid., p. 44. 

14 Herrian, History of Trinity Church, p. 89. 

15 Previously cited, see p. 80. 

16 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 21; S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (208). 

17 In "An Account of the State of the Church in North America by Mr. George 
Keith and others" (Nov. 1702) mention is made of "the Church of England School- 
master in the County of New York." This undoubtedly referred to Huddleston. 
Quoted by Pratt, op. cit., p. 96. 

18 See quotation from Huddleston letter, p. 77. 

19 Ibid. Several years after this in a memorial to General Nicholson he wrote as 
follows: "That your Excellency's Petitioner at the time he received these poor Boy8 
into his School had at least £100 p. annum for teaching other children of the City." 
S. P. G. Letter-book A, 9, p. 212. That amount of salary is dubious but, if true, it 
was received only when his enrolment was as high as sixty. 



82 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Mr. Huddleston presented his request for an annual pension to 
the Society through Rev. John Postelthwaite, Master of St. 
Paul's Free School in London. 20 At the same time testimonials 
in his behalf were forwarded to the Society by Governor Corn- 
bury, Rev. Mr. Vesey, Col. Heathcote, and others. 21 The matter 
was referred to the Committee and they reported March 15, 
1705/6, that, "It was their opinion that it was not proper to 
allow an annual Pension to any Schoolmaster who is not ap- 
pointed by the Society, but in regard to the ample testimonials 
that have been given of the said Mr. Huddleston in several 
letters . . . they are of opinion that some gratuity or 
present in money & books might be made the said Mr. Huddles- 
ton. " 22 Whereupon the gratuity already mentioned was agreed 
upon. 23 The Society's favor was duly acknowledged, but Hud- 
dleston renewed his request to become the regular schoolmaster 
on a salary. 24 Writing to the secretary July 30, 1707, he said: 
"I beg the favour of you to remind the Honbie Bord in my behalf 
that they wou'd be pleased to appoint me their Schoolmaster 
in New York, to teach such a number of poor children there, 
as they shall think fit and that they wou'd be pleased to allow 
me an annual pension for so doing. I have made bold by my 
humble petition to my Lord Bp. of London to pray him to move 
the Honorable Bord on my behalf on that head." 25 Two years 
later than this he was still reciting "the great want of a public 
school and praying he ... be appointed Master of such a 
school with a yearly Pension, the better to enable him to main- 
tain himself and large family." 26 Early in 1709 the Society made 
Mr. Huddleston a second gift, it being "4 dozen Copies of Brady 



20 S. P. G. Journal, I. p. (8). 

21 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, pp. 130, 132, 118; S. P. G. Journal I, p. (11). The 
following is an interesting indication that Huddleston's school was looked upon as a 
Church school, and helps to explain the references to Mr. Huddleston as "the school- 
master": " I have been desired to give you my Thoughts concerning one Mr. Huddle- 
ston, who is & has been a Schoolmr i n N. York for many years, & if I am not misin- 
formed is recommended to ye Society for some Consideration in relation to his past 
& present Services, he has been known to me this many years & has undoubtedly 
taken a great Deal of Pains to train up all ye youth under his Care in ye Discipline 
of ye Church, obliging all that sent their children of what nation soever to buy them 
comon Prayer Books & that they should attend ye Divine Service refusing otherwise 
to receive them into his School, by wch means he has grafted ye Church not only 
amongst ye English but many of y e French & Dutch youth, that I make bold to 
recommend him as worthy of yo r Consideration." From the testimonial of Col. 
Heathcote, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 118. 

22 s. P. G. Journal, I, p. (11). 

23 See p. 80. 

24 s. P. G. Letter-book, A, 3, pp. 8, 18; 4, p. 4; 5, p. 21. 

25 Ibid., 4, p. 4. 

26 S. P. G. Journal, I, (208) ; based on his letter of July 9, 1709. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 83 

& Tate's Psalms and 50 Copies of the Translation of the Common 
Prayer in Dutch," 27 the former for his school, the latter for 
distribution. 28 At the meeting of December 2, 1709, he was 
formally made the Society's schoolmaster. It was then "Ordered 
that £10 for 1 year from this time be allowed to the said Mr. 
Huddleston in consideration of his being well recommended to 
the society & upon condition that he shall teach 40 poor children 
gratis and transmit certificate thereof to this board." 29 

The Charity School was set on foot, as it appears, sometime 
between February and July of 1710. 30 On July 24, 1710 Mr. 
Huddleston wrote accepting with pleasure the Society's offer 
and announcing that Vesey had published this in his Church, 31 
and that he (Huddleston) had applied to the Mayor and Over- 
seers of the poor, asking for their recommendation of worthy chil- 
dren, which was furnished in less than a month. These children 
he promised to teach to the utmost of his ability. He also asked 
the Society to consider that forty boys would take up the greater 
part of his time, and to allow him suitable yearly encourage- 
ment to discharge his duty with cheerfulness, as he had only 
eight paying boys left. 32 The reference to the "8 paying boys" 
throws some interesting light on the prevailing English attitude 
towards free schools. Parents who could afford it doubtless 
had their prejudices in favor of the "more select, " private schools, 
though the following explanation was first made of Huddleston's 
loss of paying scholars: "He is an honest & capable man for 
that Service as any I know, but I am afraid what you mean a 
favour to him will not prove such without his Salary's increas't; 



27 Feb. 18. 1708/9. ibid., I, p. (154). 

28 These were probably lost in transit, see S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 21; Jour- 
nal, II, p. 42. 

29 Ibid., I, p. (209). 

30 In the Memorial to General Nicholson, May 11, 1714, Huddleston stated that 
he collected in 1709 a "school of 40 poor boys." In those days of slow ocean travel 
he could hardly have learned of his appointment before two months, which would 
be in February 1709 (old series). For quotation see S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, 
p. 212. 

31 Publication was made "in the English, Dutch & French Churches of this place." 
Ibid., 7, p. 231. The Society's bounty was not offered in a spirit of sectarianism, 
as is definitely shown by this fact. 

32 s. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 163, Note also the following extracts: "The City 
of N. York is much obliged to the Society for appointing good Mr. Huddleston their 
schoolmaster with an allowance for teaching 40 poor children. He has already 
that Complement, and I doubt not but his care & diligence in the Society's business 
will in due time encourage you to augment his Salary which will be an Act of great 
charity both to the Master & Scholars." (Vesey to Sec, July 26, 1710, ibid., p. 
154.); "Mr. Huddleston who is the Clerk of our Church and Master of the School 
has begun to receive poor children and to instruct them gratis, he will have Cus- 
tomers enow upon that foot for we don't want poor." (Elias Neau to Sec, July 
5, 1710, ibid., p. 134.) 



84 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

for he taught about that Number of Scholars before, which did 
support him; but since the addition of these the parents have 
call'd the other children all but eight, saying he will not be able 
to teach the 40 poor children and theirs too." 33 Afterwards the 
real reason appeared in one of the reports which said: "He has 
not above 7 Scholars, except those he teachers on Soc's bounty 
for the townspeople have taken away their children, being un- 
willing to send them to a charity school." 34 

At the end of the year the Society determined to continue the 
charity school voting an annual pension of £10 "during his 
(Huddleston's) teaching 40 poor children gratis." 35 At the 
same meeting £40 in books were voted him for the school. 36 
Thus, through the joint assistance of Trinity Church and the 
S. P. G., the charity schoolmaster was assured of an annual 
income of £30 New York currency and £10 sterling respectively. 
In addition to this, there were perquisites belonging to the office 
of Clerk; that is, fixed fees for the performance of certain cus- 
tomary Church services. These were as follows: (1) "For at- 
tending at a Funeral, Five shillings and six pence"; (2) "For 
his attendance at a Marriage, six Shillings and Six pence"; (3) 
"For the Registering a Christening, Nine pence." 37 Besides, 
the Vestry in 1707 ordered that, "6sh be paid to the Church & 
to the Clerk three shillings" for the use of a "black Clothe Pall" 
presented by Gov. Cornbury, "on condition that no Person 
dying & belonging to Forte Anne shall be deny'd the use thereof 
Gratis"; 38 and that, when pew assignments were made, "the 
Clerk to the Vestry receive six shillings for making out every 
such Assignment." 39 What addition to his two salaries the 
perquisites made it is impossible to say, but the sum total was 
inadequate for the proper support of himself and his large family. 
This was attested by him and vouched for by those who 
testified to his certificates. 40 Attempts to interest the Assembly 
in his behalf were unavailing and his salary from Trinity was 



33 Col. Morris to Sec, July 25, 1710, ibid., p. 143. 

34 " Certificate of Gov. Hunter, Col. Heathcote, & Col. Morris re. the charity 
School in N. York," Feb. 23. 1711/12, ibid., 7, p. 231. 

35 Dec. 19, 1710. S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (329). 

36 Ibid. 

37 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 49. 

38 Ibid., p. 57. 

39 Ibid., p. 62. 

40 s. P. G. Journal, II, p. 233; Letter-book, A. 7, pp. 146, 231, 233. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 85 

at times not forthcoming or else he misrepresented his plight. 
In 1712 he wrote the Society that he hoped his salary would be 
increased for he "had not had a farthing these 3 years, but the 
Soc's £10 p. a." which would scarce buy his family bread; 41 
that most of his time was occupied in the school which had 
contributed largely to the growth of the Church; and that Col. 
Hunter had twice directed him to petition the Assembly, but it 
had had no result. 42 Finally, in view of his urgent appeals, as 
well of those of his friends, the Society in 1713 ordered an ad- 
dition of £5 to be made to his salary. 43 For the remainder of his 
term of service and during part of the term of the succeeding 
schoolmaster the salary allowance was £15 per annum. 

That Mr. Huddleston's school was to follow the plan of charity 
schools in England is shown by an entry in the Society's journal 
of proceedings, to the effect that, "he has received the book of 
printed orders with regard to the government of his school ac- 
cording to the method of Charity Schools in England, which he 
will continue to observe." 44 The reference was to the method 
and conduct of the school rather than to that more complete 
care of poor children which the S. P. C. K. schools represented. 
In one of Huddleston's letters he said: "The charitable sub- 
scriptions spoken of in it (the book of printed orders), are want- 
ing here, both towards my personal support and the poor chil- 
dren under my care. . . . The occasion of the deficiency 
proceeds not altogether from want of good inclination in the 
people here, as from the infancy of the country, and the number 
of poor in it." 45 To this he adds: "the children need apparel, 
books, & necessaries, as charity schools in England." 46 While 
free tuition and free books were guaranteed from the beginning 
for the forty pupils, it was not until many years later that the 
expense of clothing the children was provided for. It was then 
assumed, not by the S. P. G., but by Trinity Church. 



41 Even this sometimes failed to reach him. In 1714 he complained that in almost 
5 years only £30 were paid. Ibid., 9, p. 212. And the Mayor certified to this, 
saying two bills for £10 each had been returned protested. Ibid., p. 179. 

42 Ibid., 8, p. 122. It might be held that in 1712 he was not acting as clerk. This 
cannot be proved for that year, but at his death he was succeeded in that office by 
his son. See Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p, 130. The son engaged to undertake 
the office for the fees only and this suggested the possibility that the earlier salary 
may have been withdrawn by 1712. But the fact would have been of sufficient, 
importance to be noted in the Vestry Minutes, it would seem. 

43 Sec, to Huddleston, Dec. 18, 1713. Ibid., p. 327. 
« S. P. G. Journal, II, p. 233. 

« s. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 146. 
46 Ibid. 



86 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Mr. Huddleston was most painstaking in sending the Society- 
testimonials of his work. His diligence and faithfulness was 
yearly attested by the mayor and by leading men of the city, 
as well as by the clergy. One of these sent in 1711, being about 
one year after instruction of the poor boys had begun, certified 
that seven of those first recommended to him were able to "read 
write & cast accounts" and had been put out to trades. 47 The 
following certificate sent in 1713 is typical of the testimonials 
furnished by the mayors and is quoted in full: 

"Certificate of Mr. Huddlestone's teaching School at N. York. 
"City of New York, [seal], as. 

"I Caleb Heathcote Esq 1- Mayor of the City of New York in America do 
Certify and make known to all whom these presents shall or may concern, 
That in y e year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and nine by the 
direction of the venerable Society for the propagation of the Gospel in ff oreign 
Parts, Mr. W m . Huddlestone Schoolmaster of_said City received into his 
school forty poor Boyes of this City being recomended by the Mayor for the 
time being as fitt objects of their Charity as hath heretofore been certified 
which poor boyes he hath diligently and faithfully instructed in reading the 
English tongue, the Church Catechism the English Liturgy and singing of 
Psalms with writing and arithmetick of which several are already put out to 
trades and I having frequently visited the said School found the said number of 
boyes actually under his care, as by a List of their names hereto affixed may 
appear, and I do further certifie that he hath not as yet rec d any reward or 
Incouragemt for his Labour and Paines save the yearly allowance of ten pounds 
sterling from the said venerable Society and that two of his bills which he 
drew for the same for Ten pounds each are returned protested. In testi- 
mony of the truth whereof I have hereto subscribed my name and caused 
the seal of the said City to be affixed this twentieth day of September Anno 
Domini 1713. Annoq. Regni Reginae Annae nunca Magnae Britaniae 
&c, Duodecimo. 

(Signed) Caleb Heathcote." 48 

It is interesting to note that the statement has been based on 
visits made to the school. Subsequent testimonials were regu- 
larly of this nature, with few exceptions, though Col. Heathcote, 
whose interest in the Society and particularly in the Society's 
schools was so great, was probably a more frequent visitor than 
any of the succeeding mayors. Yet the fact remains that during 
all the century this charity school was usually inspected by one 
or more visitors in official capacity. It came to be performed 
regularly on the first Monday of each month by a committee 
of Trinity Vestry. 49 Accompanying Heathcote's certificate was 
a list of boys then in the school. Many of these were the original 
pupils of the 1710 enrolment. What proportion cannot be stated. 



47 Ibid., A, 7, p. 231. Feb. 23. 1710/11. 

48 ibid.. A, 9, p. 179. Inclosed in Huddleston's letter of Sept. 26, 1713. 

49 Ibid., B, 3, p. 156, Apr. 27, 1763. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 87 

Several had been put out to trades according to Heathcote. 
On May 11, 1714 Huddleston stated the exact number of such 
boys to be 20. In the list that follows, then, perhaps two-thirds 
represents the original class: 

"John Lowerere Sen 1 " John Blackhead 

Richard Sackett Thom s Kilmaster 

John Sackett John Baptist 

Henry Stanton John Deffore 

John Hitchcock Francis Warne 

William Golding John Wood 

Francis Revoa John Kilmaster 

Peter Germine John Rogers 

Elisha Thebond Robert Provoast 

Job Thebond John Martin 

Stantley Holmes Henry Lowerere 

Thomas Cox John Lowerere 

John Cox Wm. Lowerere 

Jacob Cox Edward Barnes 

Israel Chadock Benjamin Moore 

James Joy Edward Tudor 

Daniel Dunscomb James Jamison 

John Dunscomb George Fielding 

John Bant Wm. Fielding 

John Boroughs Sam 1 Dunscomb 

(Signed) Caleb Heathcote." 60 

As has been seen, the specified number of forty had been en- 
rolled immediately. It had remained so until 1713, sometime 
after which there was an increase of pupils amounting to about 
twenty-five per cent. The certificate of 1717 stated that Hud- 
dleston refused no poor child sent to him. 51 The school lists 
bear out the statement. In 1716 the mayor found in the school 
"40 poor children on the Soc's bounty & 9 more whom he teaches 
gratis," 52 but the list which accompanied the report contained 
fifty names. 53 The next year fifty names were given 54 in the 
February report and "more poor were daily pressing," 55 but in 
August following forty-eight pupils made up the certified list. 56 

Three later lists in 1719, 1721, and 1722 showed fifty-one, 
forty-eight, and forty-six respectively, 57 so that the average 



50 ibid., A, 9, p. 179. Inclosed in Huddleston's letter of Sept. 26, 1713. This 
is the first list the writer was able to find. Earlier ones were probably sent and 
have not been preserved. 

51 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 12, p. 408. 

52 Ibid., A, 12, p. 402. In a letter of July 22, 1715 he says that in looking over 
his list, he sees he has taught and is teaching 650 of the Dutch and French to read 
and write English since he began— meaning of course, the entire period of his teach- 
ing in New York. See S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 113. 

53 Ibid. Of these, fourteen boys were holdovers from the first list. 
Si Ibid., A, 12, p. 260; S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 304. 

55 Ibid. 

56 Ibid., A, 12, p. 408. 

57 Ibid., A, 13, p. 485; A, 15, p. Ill; A, 16, p. 239. 



88 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

attendance from 1716 to the end of his service was about forty- 
eight. An innovation, moreover, occurred about this time. In 
1716, six girls were enrolled and three in the next year. As 
near as can be ascertained, therefore, girls were first admitted 
in 1716. From that time on they were regularly admitted, 
although they always remained in the minority. 58 

It was about this time that Mrs. Huddleston was associated 
with her husband in the care of the school. She undoubtedly 
had particular care of the girls, although in reporting her service 
Huddleston mentions her teaching the youngest children. He 
said: "I cannot but humbly acquaint you that the fifty Chil- 
dren, under my care now, must of course take up the most of 
my time, which it hath done for severall Years: and not only 
mine but my wife's time for four years past, hath likewise been 
spent in that Service in teaching those the Younger sort, poor 
and taken of the Streets, not knowing a Letter." 59 Other re- 
ports of Mrs. Huddleston were sent to the Society, 60 indicating 
that she regularly assisted in the school and devoted her time 
chiefly to that work. But for her service, or for the enlarged 
roll of charity pupils, the Huddlestons received very little ad- 
ditional reward. The mayor of the city in his certificate of 1721 
in behalf of the schoolmaster said of him: "He hath no other 
Encouragement . . . save what the honbie Society hath 
been pleased to allow him & a present lately made him from this 
Corporation of ten pounds (New York money) for almost Twelve 
Years service. 61 " This gratuity from the city was augmented 
by a gift of £10 sterling from the Society in 1722. 62 Upon the 
death of the Catechist of New York in 1722, 63 Mr. Huddleston 
was requested by Rector Vesey to take upon himself that office. 
This he continued to do until his death, a period of nearly two 
years. 64 Though the salary of catechist was £50 per annum 
no addition was made to Huddleston's regular allowance, 65 but 



58 In 1719, there were 9 girls and 42 boys; in 1721, 15 girls and 33 boys; in 1722, 
14 girls and 32 boys. Ibid. 

59 Report to Sec, Aug. 29, 1719, ibid., A, 13, p. 472. 

60 July 29, 1721, ibid.. A, 15, p. Ill; Oct. 3, 1722, ibid. A, 16, p. 207; June 15, 
1722, S. P. G. Journal IV, p. 220. 

61 Ibid., A, 15, p. 111. 

62 Voted June 15, 1722, S. P. G. Journal, IV, p. 220. 

63 Sept. 1722, ibid., V, p. 85. 

64 Vesey to Sec, Nov. 8. 1725, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 85; also B, 1, p. 86; 
also A, 19, p. 411. 

65 Ibid., p. 86. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 89 

after his demise the Society voted the following order: "That 
the sum of £50 be given to Mrs. Huddleston as a reward for her 
late husbands Service in Catechising the Negroes and Indians. " 66 
Early grants of books to the school have been mentioned. 67 
Very soon after Huddleston's appointment as the regular School- 
master he informed the Secretary that most of the forty boys' 
parents were so miserably poor that they could not provide 
necessary books. 68 Throughout his work he frequently petitioned 
for these. The Society responded generously. Scarcely a 
single request, it appears, failed to be granted. Books lost en 
route were allowed the second time. 69 In the matter of all 
books of a religious nature, such as Psalm books, Psalters, prayer 
books, Church Catechisms, and explanations thereof, the So- 
ciety sent out supplies for the school and for distribution. 70 The 
importance which the above books occupied in the school is shown 
by a comparison with the number of primers sent out. Of the 
latter a packet of fifty each was sent with the other books on 
two occasions between 1710 and 1723, 71 as far as the records 
show. There is no evidence of other non-doctrinal books having 
been sent. On the other hand it is possible that primers were 
included in the two or three money grants for books. 72 The fol- 
lowing bill indicates the cost of the books at that time: 

"A Bill for Books for Mr. Huddlestone. May 8th 1716." 

£ s d 

50 primers 8 6 

25 psalters 12 6 

A Quarto Common Prayer 7 



18 



66 Apr. 15, 1726, S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 85. The S. P. G. had previously elected 
Huddleston to be Catechist on March 7, 1717/8. This was on account of the dis- 
charge of Mr. Neau from that office. It had been effected through baseless charges 
against the latter, which had been lodged with the Society. Huddleston was to have 
an increase of £10 per annum in consideration of the added functions. But Neau 
immediately cleared himself and was reinstated, so that nothing came of it. 

67 See p. 82-3. 

68 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 163, July 24, 1710. 

69 S. P. G. Journal I, p. (329). 

70 Ibid., I, p. (329); III, pp. 113, 71, 219; IV, pp. 137. 220; S. P. G. Letter-book, 
A, 16, pp. 212, 228, 261; A, 17, p. 233; A, 10, p. 367. 

71 Feb. 3, 1715/16, S. P. G. Journal III, p. 113; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 10, pp. 
203, 367. June 15, 1722, Journal IV, p. 220; Letter-book A, 16, p. 261. 

72 S. P. G. Journal, I, pp. (11), (151), (329). It is also possible that such books 
were provided, in part, by the parents. 

73 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 11, p. 356. 



90 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

For a schoolhouse, Mr. Huddleston made his own provision, 
following the custom of the period. This was usually in his 
home, it would seem, though the point is not made very clear. 
One of his appeals for augmentation of salary complained that 
he was obliged to use it "upon Rent." 74 The Catechetical 
class he taught "in the Steeple every Sunday in the afternoon 
before Sermon, and after Sermon at his own house." 75 The 
probable reason for this is not difficult to suggest. Candle 
light could not be permitted in the steeple of Trinity and his 
own house offered the only alternative, having as it did school 
facilities. Upon two different occasions the Common Council, 
in appreciation of his valuable work and moved by his serious 
straits, came to his assistance in this respect. On Nov. 27, 
1714 Huddleston wrote the Society that "the Mayor & Common 
Council having taken his condition in their serious considera- 
tion have allowed him the room where they meet for his School 
<& the Sheriff, Mr. Harrison, has allowed him the whole City 
Hall for his comfort." 76 The school was being kept in the City 
Hall again in 1717, and the mayor for that year certified as 
follows: "He is diligent in teaching & catechising on week days 
& Sabbath afternoon in his school, which by leave of the Cor- 
poration he keeps in the City Hall." 77 The quotations probably 
indicate a temporary rather than a permanent or long continued 
accommodation. It is quite unlikely that he enjoyed the use 
of the City Hall all of the time from 1714 to 1717, for his com- 
plaint about rent was sent in the interval. 78 On the other hand, 
his school was looked upon as a semi-public institution about 
this time. The use of the City Hall is at once an indication of 
it, but, aside from this, the Common Council of the City in 1714 
had under consideration the making of special provision for 
teaching the poor. The following item is from the Council pro- 
ceedings: "Order'd that this Corporation do Petition the Gen- 
eral Assembly for Leave to bring in a Bill to Enable this Cor- 
poration to Raise Money for Repairing the public Gaols, Keep- 
ing a sufficient Bellmans Watch in the Room and Stead of A 



74 July 22, 1715, S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 113. 

75 June 27, 1723, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 17, p. 233. 

76 s. P. G. Journal, III, p. 71. 

77 Certificate! nclosed in Huddleston's letter of Aug. 15, 1717, S. P. G. Letter-book, 
A, 12, p. 408. 

78 See above letter of July 22, 1715. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 91 

Constable Watch providing fire and Candle for them Main- 
taining a publick schoolmaster for teaching the poor to read & 
write Defraying the Expense of Executing of felons, Maintain- 
ance of A Publick Whipper and Other publick & Necessary- 
Charge not Exceeding one hundred and fifty pounds in one year 
and that the Mayor sign the Petition by Order of this Court and 
deliver it Accordingly." 79 Although no legislation followed to 
make a reality of this intention regarding a "publick school- 
master," as herein expressed, it was only a few months later that 
Mr. Huddleston was enjoying the privilege of the City Hall. 
Some years thereafter the following record is found in the Council 
minutes: "Order'd the Mayor Issue his Warrt to the Treasurer 
to pay to Mr. William Huddleston the sum of Ten pounds Currt 
Money of this Province as a present of this Corporation for his 
Teaching severall poor Children to Read within this City. And 
Order'd that this be not brought into President." 80 

In 1718 the pupils of the Charity School were assigned seats 
in Trinity Church. It is recorded that their schoolmaster, on 
September 18, requested that his scholars might be allowed seats 
in the West Gallery. They were thereupon assigned, "the two 
hindermost pews over the North door in the West Gallery until 
a new Gallery shall be built." 81 Doubtless they had occupied 
other pews before this and from the beginning regularly attended 
the services, in charge of Huddleston. They seem to have been 
given pews over the North door because the location was not 
conspicuous. 82 Such an intention seems to be shown in the 
following, which was adopted at the same meeting: "Ordered 
that a New Gallery be built over the West Gallery if the charge 
thereof can be defrayed by Subscriptions and when built the front 
pews to be appropriated to Housekeepers & their wives, Masters 
of Vessels and their wives and Schoolmasters & their wives, and 
the range of pews at each end of the said Gallery for Mr. Jenneys 
& Mr. Huddlestons Schollars, Mr. Jenney to have the first 
Choice, the two ranges of pews in the middle to be in Common." 8 ' 



w Quoted by Pratt, op. cit., p. 147. Dated June 12, 1714. 

80 April 9, 1720. Quoted by Pratt, op. cit., p. 148. 

81 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, pp. 115, 116. 

82 In that day, and with the representative of the King of England in the congre- 
gation, the matter of rank and precedent were punctiliously observed, and pew as- 
signment was very carefully looked after. 

83 Sept. 15, 1718, Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 116. 



92 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Mr. Huddleston died in August 1724 84 while in active service. 
More than half of his life had been spent as a schoolmaster in 
New York City. Beginning at about the age of twenty-seven he 
had taught continuously there for thirty-five years, 85 fifteen of 
which had been under the encouragement of the S. P. G. That 
this educational service to the city involved hardships and sacri- 
fices, both for his family and himself, his testimonials clearly 
prove. In spite of financial burdens, his activity in the Church 
and in the school must have made him an important figure in the 
community. 

Huddleston's death did not interrupt the school. For some 
years before he had placed his son, Thomas Huddleston, in 
the school as an Usher or Assistant, 85 having in view the train- 
ing of a successor to himself. Thomas, therefore, continued to 
convene the scholars of his late father and in this had the sup- 
port of the Church and the Mayor. Memorials were at once 
forwarded to the Society recommending Thomas Huddleston 
"for his Sobriety diligence and learning ... as a person 
fit to be made Schoolmaster." 87 The recommendation was 
agreed to by the Society and his salary was made equivalent to 
that of his father. 88 At the same time he was made Clerk of 
the Church being allowed therefor the "fees Incident and belong- 
ing to the same" but no salary or other reward. 89 The record 
states that he appeared "before this Board and proposed to 
Execute the office" upon these terms, 90 which may be an indica- 
tion that the Clerk's office had become fairly remunerative from 
the fees alone. But he received, besides fees, occasional gratu- 
ities from the Vestry, 91 until in 1727 he was put upon the annual 



84 S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 85; Letter-book, B, 1, p. 85. There is, however, an un- 
certainty about this date. Aug. 1724 has been given by Mrs. Huddleston and Mr. 
Vesey. But another journal entry, a school report, and letters from Huddleston's 
son, as well as entries in Trinity Vestry Minutes indicate that the son conducted 
the school, succeeding his deceased father, as early as November 1723. Vesey's 
letter, B, 1, p. 85. above is an original copy. 

85 In a letter, Nov. 24, 1722, he gives his age as "now 60 Years." S. P. G. Letter- 
book, A, 16, p. 212. From this the figures above are easily determinable with the 
help of the other data. 

86 S. P. G. Journal, IV, p. 295. 

87 Ibid. ; also, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 17, pp. 247, 312. 

88 Ibid., IV, p. 295; also Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 134. The appointment 
is dated Feb. 21, 1723/4. If Wm. Huddleston's death occurred Aug. 1724, this date 
should be 1724/5. 

89 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 130. 
so Ibid. 

91 In 1724, £6; in 1725, £10; in 1726, £15. Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, pp. 130 
136, 143. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 93 

salary of £15. 92 In 1726 the Society's allowance was advanced 
to £20 per annum. 93 This seems to have been a voluntary act 
on the part of the S. P. G., for there are not to be found the 
usual and frequent requests for assistance that characterized 
his father's term of office. Apparently the combined sources of 
Thomas Huddleston's income netted him a fairer sum than had 
been the case before. But he did urge the Society, in 1727, 
that, "It might be a great encouragemt to me and the School 
under my care if the Honbie Society wou'd vouchsafe to recom- 
mend my case to his Excellcy our Govt and the Mayor & Cor- 
poration of this City to give me some Annual Alio wee for teaching 
so many poor Children wen wtn the Societys anual Bounty may 
be a Subsistence & comfort to me in that Service." 94 

Mr. Huddleston's first certificate vouched for forty poor 
children under his care, though the accompanying list showed 
but thirty-nine names. Girls were in the majority this year, 
for there were twenty-three, as compared with sixteen boys. 95 
His next list sent shortly thereafter gave forty names, of which 
seventeen were girls. 96 Others were attending his school "for 
a small consideration," but neither the names nor the numbers 
of these were given. 97 In 1725, however, the names of two pay- 
ing scholars are doubtlessly written separately from those of his 
other pupils. Of the forty-two, thirteen were girls, while five 
boys and three girls had been put out to trades. The curiously 
devised report of this year is herewith given: 

"A List of the Childrens names taught on the Bounty of the 
Venerable Society by Thomas Huddleston their Schoolmaster. 98 



Thomas Bant 


John Lea 


Edward Osser 


Joseph Paulding 


Ebenezer Osser 


Peter Carstang 


John Sanders 


James Warner 


John Alton 


James Bess 


Taburill Johnson 


Mary Golding 


John Poole 


Mary Burger 


Charles Dobbs 


Mary Mecarte 


William Lea 


Anne Warner 


Chalenger Williams 


Kathrine Lea. 



92 Ibid., pp. 149-50, 154, 159. 

93 S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 86, Apr. 15, 1726, but beginning "from Xmas last." 

94 July 3, 1727, ibid., V., p. 136; also S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 20, p. 190. 

95 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 17, p. 312. 

96 Ibid., A, 18, p. 232. 

97 Ibid., A, 18, p. 200. 

»May 12, 1725, ibid., B, 1, p. 101a. 



94 



The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 



Thomas Grinells 


Frances Smith 


Thomas Warner 


Mary Chrissel 


John Bartlate 


Mary Thomas 


Abraham Blinck 


Henter Blinck 


Isaac Blinck 


Johanna Cornelisa 


Gilbert Ash 


Hanna Bulson 


Matthew Bell 


Judea Carstang 


Thomas Merchell 


Richard Harris 


Abraham Poole 


William Cooker 


Gerret Cousyne 


Jane Simpson 


Cornelia New Chirck 


Jane New Chirck 



A List of the Names of those put to trades. 



David Farkland 


Isaac Bedlow. 


John Thomas 


Susanna Bedlow 


Thomas Welsh 


Kathrine Dobbs 


Phillip Lewis 


Sarah Harpman 



In a second list sent in November of the same year Huddleston 
gave forty names and added: "John Sanders and Mathew Bell 
are gone to trades." 99 This report was followed within a week 
by a letter from which it may be inferred that additional pupils 
were again being received gratis, after the custom of the elder 
Huddleston. The letter in full, follows: 

"I desire you to acquaint y e Honble Society that these were sent in after y* 
the Certificate was Signed; I could not turn them away by reason that they 
made such heavy complaints that they are forc'd to put them out for their 
daily bread and here is abundance of such fitt objects in this City; and have 
Signified y e names of these poor Creaters. 
Wm. Welsh I am 

Cornelius Bulsiny S r 

Edward Nicholls Y r Obedient Servt 

Charles Nicholls Thomas Huddleston. 

John Nicholls 
Anne Nicholls 
Wm. Dewait 
Eliz. Welsh. 

(Attest) Joh. Jansen. Mayor." 100 



For the years 1726-31 there are five school lists available. Of 
these the lowest number of children was 50 and the highest 68, 



99 N'ov. 3, 1725, ibid., B, 1, p. 86b. 

ioo Nov. 10, 1725, ibid., B, 1, p. 83. From this it appears that some amount of 
schooling was deemed necessary for apprenticeship. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 95 

and the girls numbered from 15 to 20. 101 No tuition was charged 
by Huddleston during this period. He declared to the Secretary: 
"Neither their Parents nor the Corporation of this City allow 
me one farthe in consideration of that service and my School 
may be most properly called the Honbie Societys Charity School 
in the city of New York in America." 102 Six of the poor boys 
were put to trade in 1726 103 and in 1729 it was reported that a 
great many of them were then fit for trade. 104 This "fitting for 
trade" was popular among poor parents. "Poor people are 
daily coming," wrote Huddleston, "to see if there be a vacancy 
for their children, for they are not able to pay for their learn- 
ing." 105 

The Society's manuscripts record only occasional requests for 
books. 106 These were dispatched in keeping with his requests, 
but at least one lot of them was seized by "the Salleymen & 
carried into their country." 107 His modesty in this respect 
must have been due to the careful preservation of such books 
as the school already had. Parents were not supplying them 
"being that," as he once said, "they are so poor that they are 
not able to purchase them. " 108 No mention of any kind is made 
regarding the school house. This was apparently provided out 
of his own income. 

It is evident that Mrs. Huddleston continued her gratuitous 
services. "I humbly Acquaint you that the teaching of these 
Children Occupyes not my time but allso my Mothers. ,,m Upon 
the death of the schoolmaster in 1731, 110 Mrs. Huddleston re- 
mained in entire charge of the school until the appointment of 
a successor. This was from October 8, 1731 until April 22, 



ioi For example: June 17, 1726, 50 with 18 girls; June 8, 1727, 54 with 18 girls; 
July 10, 1729, 55 with 15 girls; May 23, 1730, 68 with 20 girls; and July 8, 1731, 57 
with 17 girls. See S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 19, p. 428; A, 20, p. 221; A, 22, p. 40; A,, 
23, pp. 96, 364. Only one list of names of pupils was ever sent the Society after 1731 . 
This was sent by Joseph Hildreth in 1743. 

102 Ibid., A, 20, p. 190, July 3, 1727. It may be noted, too, that this statement 
was made with regard, not to 40, but to "the 55 poor children of this place that are 
now under my Care at School. " Ibid. 

103 Ibid., A, 19, p. 392. 

104 Ibid., B, 1, p. 61. 

105 Ibid. 

106 ibid., B, 1, pp. 106, 61; A, 19, p. 206; A, 20, p. 190. A grant of 12 primers was 
the only one found. 

107 Ibid., A, 19, p. 414. 

108 Ibid., A, 19, p. 392. 

109 Ibid., June 1726. 

no About October, Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 161; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 23, 
p. 343; Journal, V, p. 324. 



96 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

1732, as attested by the Mayor of the City. 111 In appreciation 
of her work, the Mayor's certificate said: "She has had the 
same scholars as her son had at the time of his death, & the 
Mayor has sent her several poor children during the time that 
she taught. She discharged her duty with diligence & 
fidelity." 112 Indeed a material acknowledgment of her services 
to the city was made by the Common Council, as follows: 
"Order'd the Mayor Issue his warrant to the Treasurer to pay 
to Mrs. Sarah Huddleston widow or Order the sum of Eight 
pounds Current Money of New York as a Gratification for the 
trouble and Care she and her late Son Thomas Huddleston de- 
ceased have taken in teaching several poor children of this Cor- 
poration to Read and Write and Instructing them in the Prin- 
ciples of Religion, over and above the number allowed by the 
Venerable society for the propagation of the Gospel in foreign 
parts." 113 Earnest efforts were made to induce the S. P. G. to 
make Mrs. Huddleston her son's successor. A petition to this 
effect was dispatched to the Secretary, which bore the signatures 
of 68 leading men, including the President of the Council, Mayor, 
Aldermen, Justices, Lawyers and Merchants. 114 Recommenda- 
tions from many of these officials and men of affairs accompanied 
the petition. 115 Her appointment was objected to by the officials 
of Trinity Church. Because of her advanced years they could 
not think her "Capable to discharge a Trust of duty of such 
great importance both to the City and Church." 116 In lieu of 



ni Trinity Vestry Minutes I, p. 165; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 24, pp. 285, 170; 
Journal, V, p. 140. She was allowed for this a half year's salary, £10. Ibid. 

"2 Ibid. 

H3 Oct. 14, 1731. Quoted by Pratt, op. cit., p. 148. 

ih Ibid., A, 23, p. 375. 

lis Ibid., A, 23, p. 379. 

116 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 161; S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 325. In one of tha 
printed documents of Fulham Archives the responsibility for the opposition was 
charged to Rev. Mr. Vesey. The document is a partisan one, entitled, "A Supple- 
ment to the Vindication of Mr. Alex. Campbell — Wherein all the objections made to 
the said Vindication are answered particularly those in a late Paper, called, Mr. 
Noxon's Observations," dated Aug. 15, 1732. Referring to Vesey's attitude towards 
Mrs. Huddleston, this paper says, in a spirit of bitterness: "How basely Mr. Vesey 
has behaved towards Mrs. Huddleston, is very well known, for he obliged her to take 
out the Society's Bounty in Goods, from Hucksters and Shop-keepers with whom 
Mr. Vesey dealt, to the Prejudice and Loss of the said Mrs. Huddleston, at least a 
third of the Money. He has employed her Son Huddleston to write out his Merchants 
Accompts for several years, and sometimes till the Ringing of the last Bell on Sun- 
days, neither has he paid her, or her Son, for his Pains and Troubles to this Day; 
On the Contrary, it was by his Interest, that she was disappointed of the School, 
which she was Ten Times more qualified to teach than Mr. Noxon. But Mr. Vesey 
had no regard to this, nor yet to the Desolation of a numerous virtuous Family, 
which was to ensue, in all Probability on this Disappointment. " A similar complaint 
is found in a printed pamphlet among the Society's papers, (B, 1, p. 43.). It says: 
"It is a matter of wonder to the Privy Council, the Magistrates of the City, the 
Judges of the Province & to all sensible & disinterested people of this place, who have 
recommended Mrs. Huddleston (wh. recommendation the writer begs his Lordship 
once more to read), how Mr. Vesey could so impose upon his Lordship & Soc. against 
plain reason & matter of fact, or how the recommendation could prevail against that 
of so many worthy gentlemen & the united voice of the people. " 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 97 

this, the Churchwardens and Vestry recommended "her and her 
poor family to the Society as objects worthy of their Charity, 
both her husband and son having faithfully discharged their 
duties in their respective stations." 117 Acting on the advice of 
the Church, the S. P. G. denied Mrs. Huddleston's petition, but 
at once voted her a gratuity of £20 being the equivalent of one 
year's salary. Thus came to a close the service of the Huddles- 
ton family in New York City. Theirs was a record of personal 
sacrifice and earnest devotion to educational uplift, which covered 
a period little short of half a century. 

Thomas Noxon was appointed the succeeding schoolmaster 
on January 21, 1731/2. 118 The action of the Society was based 
on the memorial of Trinity Church setting forth that Mr. Noxon 
was "a person of exemplary piety and virtue" having been for 
many years past and then being a vestryman of the Church. 119 
The previous allowance of £20 per annum was voted. 120 In 
October of the previous year he had been made Clerk of the 
Church with £15 per annum and the perquisites of the office. 121 
After two years he resigned the position of clerk. 122 Why he 
should voluntarily have given up this needful addition to his 
income as schoolmaster is hard to understand. There is a sug- 
gestion that his accepting the school over Mrs. Huddlestonwas 
unpopular and the cause of bitter feeling towards him, both as 
schoolmaster and as clerk. 123 Thereafter he made the "Soc's 
School his whole business," 124 having "no allowance from their 
parents, or the City for his pains," and teaching them "onlyin 
consideration of the Soc's Salary." 125 



in Ibid.; also, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 23, p. 343. 

118 S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 325. 

H9 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 161. 

120 Jan. 21, 1731/2. S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 325. 

121 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, pp. 161, 164. 

122 Ibid., pp. 168, 177. 

123 in the Fulham document noted on page 96. Noxon is thus objected to: "He is 
a strange-out-of-the-way Clerk who cannot sing by Note, and a most unaccountable 
Schoolmaster who can neither read nor write." "Mr. Noxon is very unfit for his 
present office and blunders almost every Day, in the face of the Whole Congregation. 
Some of the Congregation have expressed their sorrow and concern at this. Does 
not Mr. Noxon himself acknowledge his own insufficiency by making use of a Deputy 
when he himself is present? He does not attack him because he is a Member of the 
Church of England, nor because he does not sing by Note, but because he has ac- 
cepted, and Mr. Vesey has recommended him to an Employment for which he is alto- 
gether unqualified." There is further suggestion of public ill-feeling in the fact that 
none of Noxon's reports were attested by the Mayor or other public officials. 

124 S. P. G. Journal, VII, p. 305, Aug. 6, 1738. 
US Ibid., p. 306. 



98 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Mr. Noxon began his service as Schoolmaster April 22, 1732 
and continued for eleven years in this work. At the very outset 
a most significant step was taken by the Vestry of Trinity 
Church. Heretofore, as has been shown, there had been a 
cordial cooperation between the S. P. G. and the Church, as far 
as that had gone. The Church had assumed no official respon- 
sibility but the Rector and others had constantly watched over 
the school in their individual capacities. The Rector as well as 
the Mayor had regularly visited the school. On April 21, 1732 
the Church, for the first time, took formal official recognition of 
the school by appointing a committee of inspection for it, in 
these words: 

"Ordered that the Rector & Church Wardens or one of them with Mr. 
John Roade, Mr. Duane, Mr. McEvers, Mr. Augustus Jay & Mr. Moore or 
any three of them be a Committee to visit the Society's School in this City 
and to give proper Certificates and Directions relating thereto and to take 
Care that the pious Design of the Society be complyed with." 128 

That the action was at the Society's solicitation for a closer 
interest on the part of the Church, is fairly well indicated in the 
Vestry's address to the S. P. G. immediately following their 
appointment of the committee. The address said in part: 
"We . . . beg leave to assure them We Shall not only be 
very cautious in our recommendations but likewise upon all 
occasions in our power endeavour to Encourage and further 
their pious Intentions and pursuant to their Comands Signifyed 
in your said Letter We hereby Certify that the Said Mr. Noxon 
began to teach School on the twenty Second day of April last 
and we have appointed the Rector Church Wardens and some 
of the Vestry a Committee to visit the said School from time to 
time as occasion shall require to Certify the Number of Scholars 
Management and progress thereof who have this day visited his 
School and found in it upwards of forty poor children under 
his Instruction." 127 From this time all reports of Noxon's school 
were certified to by the gentlemen of the committee, whose 
visits seem to have been made with regularity. 128 Presumably 
it became a standing committee and was usually renewed yearly 



126 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 164. This is the first mention of the Charity 
School in the Church Minutes. 

127 Ibid., p. 165. May 10, 1732; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 24, p. 165. Ecclesiastical 
Records, op. cit., p. 2591. 

128 This is shown by the available reports of Noxon, which have the committee's 
attestation, but the reports are not completely preserved. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 99 

by the Vestry along with other standing committees, in a general 
resolution to that effect. On the other hand, the minutes of the 
Vestry contain a few specific resolutions relating thereto. On 
July 7, 1736, the committee was renewed, it being "Resolved 
that the Rector Churchwardens, and Mr. Ellerton be a Comittee 
to visit the Society's Scholl in this City under the Care of Mr. 
Thomas Noxon their Schollmaster and to report their opinion 
thereof to this Board with all convenient Speed." 129 A similar 
order was made in 1749, 130 and again in 1761. On this last oc- 
casion visits of inspection were definitely fixed, as may be seen 
in the following from the Minutes: 

"Ordered that the Rector Two Churchwardens Mr. Nicholls Mr. Hors- 
manden Mr. Gabriel Ludlow Mr. Williams Mr. Mann Mr. Clarkson And Mr. 
Stuyvesant and as many more of this Corporation as please to attend or any 
three or more of them be a Committee to Visit and regulate the Charity 
School and to meet on the first Monday in every Month at Three o'Clock in 
the afternoon in the Vestry Room for that purpose also that they have Power 
to agree with & employ a School Mistress to teach the Girls to Reade and Sow 
upon such Terms as they shall think fitt." 131 

A few years after "the Committee for Inspecting the Charity 
School" was empowered to enlarge the school "if they think 
proper." 132 Finally in 1772 the Committee is again mentioned 
specifically on two different occasions. 133 Besides this evidence 
nearly all of the Notitiae and other reports of Mr. Noxon's suc- 
cessor were attested by these officials of the Church and thus 
indicate a permanent overseeing committee. 134 It seems reason- 
able to suppose, therefore, that a system of school inspection 
was carried on under the auspices of the Church from 1732 to 
the end of the century, and that it was practically a continuous 
system. 

Mr. Noxon's enrolment in the first year was 44 scholars. 135 
In 1740 it reached 66 scholars, the highest during his teaching. 136 



129 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 184. 

130 Ibid., p. 256. 

131 May 20, 1761, ibid., p. 298-9. 

132 Apr. 21, 1764, ibid., p. 312. 

133 "Ordered that Doctor Charlton, Mr. Van Dam, Mr. Kissam, and Mr. Duane 
be added to the Committee for visiting the Charity School. " Ibid., p. 369, Nov. 11 , 
1772. Also, "Mr. Laight added to School Committee. " Ibid., p. 370, Dec. 29, 1772 . 

134 Hildreth, the schoolmaster, in 1761, 1764, 1765, 1769 and 1773 distinctly refers 
to the activity of the committee of 1761 and the regularity of its visits. S. P. G. 
Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 157, 158, 169, 164. 

135 S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 40. 

136 ibid., VIII, p. 231. In 1733 he had " between 40 and 50, " S. P. G. Letter-book,. 
A, 24, p. 58. In 1738 the number was 49, Journal, VII, p. 306. 



100 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

The following year he reported upwards of 60, 137 and in the last 
year of his service there were 58 enrolled. 138 In these two years, 
for the first time, a religious grouping of the children is given. 
Of the 60 pupils and more, 38 were baptized in the Church, and 
all others were "of dissenting Parents." 139 Of the 56 pupils in 
1741, 30 belonged to parents of the Church of England, 10 to par- 
ents of the Dutch congregation, and the remaining 16 were 
children of the Calvinists and other dissenters. 140 

Twice, at least, Noxon desired books, Psalters and Catechisms 
for his poor children. 141 The Society sent him 50 of the former 
and 100 of the latter. 142 Not once was a primer asked for among 
the papers that are now preserved. No mention is made of a 
schoolhouse. The inference is that it was provided by himself. 
He probably employed an assistant or usher in the school, though 
he nowhere mentioned such help in his letters to England. The 
"Deputy" referred to in a previous footnote, 143 wherein Noxon 
was attacked for inefficiency, may mean his deputy in the school 
or in the Church. He was advanced in years, and the charge 
of inability must have had some foundation, in spite of the fact 
that the representations of the Church continuously vouched 
for his diligence and for his "behaving well" as a schoolmaster; 144 
and in spite of Vesey's assertion that "he adorns his profession 
with a virtuous life." 145 Elsewhere it was asserted that Mr. 
Noxon could "neither read nor write English" and that he 
possessed no merit to support his pretensions to the school. 146 
On December 8, 1742 Noxon wrote the Society requesting that 
his resignation might be accepted on Lady Day (March 25) 
1743. He assigned as a reason for this that he was "now old & 
unequal to the fatigue." 147 

Mr. Noxon's resignation was accompanied by " a recommend- 
ation from Vesey, Charlton, & Churchwardens & Vestry of Mr. 



W7 Ibid., IX, p. 7. 

138 Ibid., pp. 133, 58. 

139 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 9, p. 64. 

140 s. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 58; Letter-book, B, 10 pp. 69-70. 
l« S. P. G. Journal, VI., p. 40; VII, p. 305. 

142 Ibid; also Journal, VIII, p. 306. 

143 See p.97. 

144 s. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 35. 

145 s. P. G. Journal, VII, p. 306. 

146 From a printed pamphlet, undated, among the S. P. G. papers. Letter-book, B, 
1, p. 43. This is clearly overstated and is written in opposition to the Church and 
Society. 

147 s. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 133. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 101 

Joseph Hildreth of N. York" 148 to succeed him. In view of this,. 
Hildreth took charge of the school until the pleasure of the 
Society should be made known. But the Society did not favor 
the appointment, having determined at about this time upon 
other methods of recruiting and placing schoolmasters. The 
Secretary thus wrote to Mr. Vesey: "As to the appointment of 
a schoolmaster at New York, they cannot accept of Mr. Hildreth 
in the Room of Mr. Noxon whose Resignation they have received, 
because after mature consideration they are lately come to a 
Resolution that, in all future appointments of Schoolmasters 
and Catechists, they will have a principal Regard to such persons 
as are already in, or are qualifying themselves for Holy Orders, 
and that several young men educated in the Universities of New 
England, who are desirous of being employed in the Service of 
the Society, and are very well recommended both as to Learning 
and Morals, shall first be employed, and that they do not see 
sufficient Reason for their Support of a school in your City, 
where, according to Information, there are 9 English, one Dutch, 
one French, and one Latin School at this time." 149 The last 
point was certainly well taken, and the Church was in a posi- 
tion by this time to assume full responsibility for the charity 
school, as following events will indicate. The Rector and other 
church officials, however, did not share this view. They be- 
came greatly concerned about it and so expressed themselves to 
the Society. Upon the best information, Mr. Vesey gave as- 
surance that there was "but one English School taught by the 
Schoolmaster of the Episcopal Church," 160 and, he continued: 
" If the Honbie Society will not be pleased to Support this School 
any longer, it will be a vast obstruction to the growth of our In- 
fant Church, to wch it has been a constant Nursery for above 
forty years, and to the Children of the Poor who's Parents can 
hardly give them bread, may be deprived of the opportunity of 
Learning to Read &c, of being instructed in those principles of 
Christianity wch are necessary to save their Souls." 151 On 
March 16, 1743/4 the Society receded from its former position 
and voted Hildreth a salary from the time of his taking charge 



148 IMd. 

149 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, p. 193a, June 14, 1743. 
is) s. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 244. 

151 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 11, p. 117, Dec. 9, 1743. A similarly urgent letter was 
sent by Hildreth, Nov. 1, 1743. Journal IX, p. 246. 



102 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

of the school. 152 But it was cut down to £10, and was given on 
condition that he should teach 56 poor children gratis. 163 In 
1746 his salary was advanced to £15 and remained at that figure 
for about twenty-five years. 154 He was appointed Catechist to 
the Negroes in 1770 at an additional allowance of £10, 155 and the 
two positions he continued to hold throughout the remaining 
years of his service. Hildreth also became Clerk of the Church 
in 1744 on a salary of £15 per annum. 156 From the year 1754 
on he was also the recipient of frequent liberal "gratuities" 
from the Vestry, ranging from £20 to £60. 157 These were in 
fact the Vestry's salary allowance to him, being "An Encourage- 
ment to him for his Extraordinary Services and Care of the said 
School." 158 In 1770, £40 became the fixed salary allowed by the 
Vestry for this work, 159 to which an additional £20 per annum 
were added in 1772. 160 Mr. Hildreth therefore enjoyed an in- 
come far in excess of the incomes of his predecessors, as far as the 
figures indicate. 161 The actual purchasing power of the salary 
paid in New York currency was relatively less in the later years 
of his teaching. For this reason his condition was not as greatly 
improved over that of the previous schoolmasters as might ap- 
pear. Before Trinity Church began an allowance he wrote the 
Society: "By reason of ye smallness of my Salary the dearness 
of all necessities, as well as House Rent, I was greatly discourag'd 
in the discharge of my duty to the poor Children, comitted to 
my care." 162 In 1767 he still maintained that he could not sub- 
sist in New York, but for the small additional allowance for 



162 This being March 25. 1743. Ibid. 

153 ibid. 

154 S. P. G. Journal X, p. 170. 

155 Ibid., XVIII, p. 431-2. Oct. 19, 1770. 

158 Nov. 6, 1744. Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 230. 

157 Trinity Vestry Minutes. May 8, 1754, £20, I, p. 275; March 11, 1756/7, £20, 
ibid., p. 283; May 25, 1758, £20 ibid., p. 289; Sept. 13, 1759, £20, ibid., p. 292; Oct. 
30, 1760, ibid., p. 296; Nov. 12, 1762, £60; ibid., p. 306; March 20, 1764/5, £30. 
ibid., p. 319; Dec. 23, 1766, £30, ibid., p. 328; Dec. 15, 1767, £30, ibid., p. 332; Dec. 
19, 1768, £30, ibid., p. 338; Jan. 11, 1769/70, £40, ibid., p. 347; Nov. 15, 1770, £40, 
ibid., p. 351. 

158 Ibid. A joint gratuity of £20 sterling was granted Hildreth in 1767 by th® 
Vestry & the S. P. G., ibid., p. 329; S. P. G. Journal XVI. p. 38S. Another gratuity o f 
£10 sterling was given him by the Society in 1750, he having sustained a great loss 
by fire, ibid., XI, p. 244. 

159 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 351. 

160 Ibid., p. 365. 

161 The Clerk's fees were also increased in 1766, making them much in excess of 
the fees which the Huddlestons enjoyed. Ibid., p. 325. 

162 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 16. p. 54. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 103 

officiating as Parish Clerk, 163 because his combined salary was 
less than that of any other schoolmaster in the city. 164 

The increasing active interest of Trinity Church in the affairs 
of the Charity School has been already shown in two ways, 
namely, looking after the regulation of the school through in- 
specting committees, and fixing an additional salary on the 
schoolmaster. In the years before 1740 the Charity School was 
above all else the "Society's Charity School." All correspond- 
ence is to this effect. But during the administration of Hildreth 
New York takes a new attitude towards the institution. Gradu- 
ally it comes to be generally referred to as Trinity Church School 
and after 1763 Mr. Hildreth addresses his communications from 
"Trinity School, New York." 165 The reason for this change 
was due to the fact that the Church gradually came to take the 
initiative in the school's affairs, which it had hesitated to do 
before. Not only was this true in the support of the school- 
master, but also in providing for the material needs of the poor 
children, on a scale like that of the S. P. C. K. in Eng- 
land. Funds for the added responsibilities now assumed were 
necessary and these the Church took steps to acquire. In the 
second half of the eighteenth century the Church was able to 
maintain a Charity School Fund sufficient to permit a most 
praiseworthy fostering of the institution. The two chief sources 
of the fund were bequests, and the collections in the Episcopal 
churches on Sundays especially devoted to Charity School ser- 
mons. The Church received between 1727 and 1789 probably 
more than £5000 in gifts and bequests either for the poor or 
specifically for the Charity School. 166 Almost four-fifths of this 
amount was given while Hildreth was schoolmaster. Much of 
it was put out at interest, which at the current rate, 5 per cent, 167 



163 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 161. Hildreth was married and had four children. 
Ibid., p. 158. 

164 ibid., p. 158. 

165 ibid., B, 3, p. 156 ff. The name was flrst used by Hildreth on Apr. 27, 1763, 
and is apparently the earliest on record. 

166 Unfortunately some bequests are entered in the Vestry Minutes with no specific 
sum given. Most of the bequests were to the school directly. About £4000 was 
bequeathed in Hildreth's term. For these see Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, pp. 154, 
214, 268, 272, 287, 285-6, 291, 295, 310, 297, 337, 345, 384, 446, 455, 520. See also 
for several of these. New York Historical Society Publications, 1896, pp. 188-9, 
445, 369-70, 421-2; 1897, p. 317; and Berrian, op. cit., p. 134. 

167 Trinity Vestry Minutes. I, pp. 291, 295. 520. 



104 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

netted a fair amount for the School. 168 Charity School sermons 
similar to those in vogue in England were begun for the first 
time in 1755. 169 They were ordered annually thereafter by the 
Vestry until 1775, when they were given up during the outbreak 
of the war and renewed in 1778. 170 These sermons were regu- 
larly advertised to the public through the medium of the news- 
papers. 171 They were the means of securing generous responses 
from the congregations of the two churches and from the public. 172 
Funds thus collected were disposed of by a committee of the 
Vestry appointed annually for that purpose. 173 With gifts, 
bequests, and regular collections the Church was able to main- 
tain a generous support for the school. Personal necessities of 
the children were provided, and additions were made to the 
schoolmaster's salary as heretofore shown. The school was 
supplied with wood and other necessities of equipment; 174 and 
an excellent charity schoolhouse was built and maintained. 175 

Mr. Hildreth served thirty-four years as the Society's school- 
master and during this period there are available thirty-one 



168 All but one bequest gave no specific direction other than for the benefit of the 
poor or the Charity School. The curious exception is the bequest of Mrs. Anne 
Chambers in 1774, from which the following provision is taken: "That the Same be 
kept and put out at Interest by them and the Yearly Interest or Income thereof be 
applied towards the Support of the Girls only belonging and to belong to the Charity 
School in the City of New York that is under their Care and Inspection and in re- 
warding such of the said Girls upon leaving the said School as they shall judge de- 
serving thereof and in such Proportions as they shall think proper in Cash or other- 
wise which I intend as an Encouragement for their diligence and decent and orderly 
behaviour during their Continuance in the said School." Ibid., p. 384. Note the 
following entry in the minutes of Sept. 17, 1781: "It is remembered that six addi- 
tional Girls were admitted soon after her Decease in Consequence thereof & it is now 
Ordered — That the Committee appointed for visiting the Charity School do grant 
an order on the Treasurer thereof for such a Premium, to those Girls at their leaving 
the School, as they shall judge most deserving thereof, either in Money, Cloaths, 
Apprentice — Pee or in any other manner that shall in their opinion come within 
the meaning of the Will. " Ibid., p. 420. 

169 Ibid., p. 279; N. Y. Hist. Soc. Pub. 1870, p. 171. 

170 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, pp. 279, 282, 287, 292, 296, 300, 306, 317, 321, 327, 
337, 345, 351, 361, 369, 410, 415, 420, 467, 480, 488, 511, 520. Also, N. Y. Hist. Soc. 
Pub., 1870, pp. 171-269. 

171 The following from the New York Mercury of Jan. 3, 1757 is a typical illustra- 
tion: 

"On Sunday next in the Forenoon, a Charity Sermon will be preached at Trinity 
Church, by the Reverend Mr. Barclay; and on the Sunday following, in the After- 
noon, a Charity Sermon will also be preached at St. George's Chappel, at both which 
a Collection will be made towards cloathing the Charity-Scholars. " 

172 Trinity Vestry Minutes, citations above; N. Y. Hist. Soc. Pub., 1870, pp. 185, 
190, 173, 198, 199, 254. 

173 "Ordered That Coll° Robinson, Mr. Reall & Mr. Gabriel Ludlow or any two of 
them be a Committee to examine which of the Charity Children are in want of Cloath- 
ing, and to lay out the Moneys Collected in the Church & Chappell for that purpose, 
as they shall think most proper. " Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 279. Other cita- 
tions similar to those for Charity Sermons. 

174 "Ordered that the Rector and Church Wardens furnish Mr" Eldrith the Society 
School Master with such a Number of Spelling Books and so much Wood for the use 
of the Charity Children there as they shall think Convenient. " Aug. 10, 1747, ibid., 
p. 245, also pp. 260, 267, 290, 293 (Iron Stove provided). The above grant of books 
is the only one recorded in the Vestry Minutes. 

175 See following pages. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 105 

reports for twenty-six different years. Between 1753 and 1757 
inclusive no reports are given and presumably they have been 
lost. 176 Though the Society, on appointing Hildreth, stipulated 
that 56 pupils should be taught by him, that number was not 
given in the reports until about 1759. But since he voluntarily 
gave catechetical instruction during this term to some 15 Negroes 
who came to him in the evenings, he more than met the stipula- 
tion. The Charity School averaged an attendance of 46 for the 
first five years and of 50 for the next five. Between 1758 and 

1763 the usual attendance was 60, 48 boys and 12 girls; between 

1764 and 1768 it was 72, with one-third girls; 177 and from 1769 
to 1777 the average was 85, 55 boys and 30 girls. 178 Hildreth's 
school was doubtless the largest in the Province during 
the greater part of his teaching. He inferred as much in a report 
of 1765, wherein he said: "The number of charity children I 
teach is so great, 'tis not in my power to take in any private 
Scholars, and do justice to them all. . . . My duty in this 
School greatly exceeds that of any other School in this place. m79 

Up to 1764 half of the charity children were baptized in the 
Church of England; the others were reported as children of dis- 
senting parents. After this date, however, no children of non- 
conformists are mentioned in the reports. The reason seems to 
be found in a policy adopted by Trinity Vestry in this year, 
whereby the children of the Episcopal congregation were to have 
the preference in the Charity School. 180 Between 1763 and 
1775 about 20 girls and boys were yearly "discharged and put 
out apprentices to trades," 181 and just once, in 1768, was it 
reported that three were discharged for not giving regular at- 
tendance. 182 The table shown herewith gives a much clearer 



176 However the Society in 1761 decided to remind Hildreth "that he had not cor- 
responded according to rule, & must do so in the future." S. P. G. Journal, XV, 
p. 170. 

177 in 1764, the number of girls admitted was increased from 12 to 24 by the Com- 
mittee of the Vestry. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 157. 

178 In a report of 1770, Hildreth stated that the Vestry had "added 10 to the num- 
ber who regularly attend." His statistics showed the addition to be 5 girls and 5 
boys. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 165. But the vestry's decision is thus recorded: 
"Ordered that there be admitted Ten Boys more than are at present in the Charity 
School. " Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 351, May 30, 1770. 

179 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 158. 

180 " Ordered that for the future that whenever a Vacancy happens in the Charity 
School that the Poor Children belonging to the Congregation of Trinity Church have 
the Preference to those belonging to other Congregations. " Trinity Vestry Minutes, 
I, p. 318. Nov. 23, 1764. 

181 A few reports between 1759 and 1763 speak of "several boys" and "several 
scholars" thus put out. 

182 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 163. 



106 



The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 



idea of the preceding features of the Charity School, as received 
by the Society from Hildreth: 

STATISTICS FROM MR. HILDRETH'S SCHOOL^ 





Number 


Bap- 


Dis- 






Enrolled 


tized 


sent- 


Put Out to Trades 


Date 




in 


ing 






Boys Girls 


church 


Chil- 
dren 


Boys Girls 


Nov. 1, 1743 


40 16 








Nov. 1, 1745 


40 


20 


20 




Sept. 19, 1746 


50 








Oct. 16, 1747 


48 


20 


28 




Jan. 8, 1747/8 


40 


20 


20 




Mar. 26, 1748 


46 


20 


26 




Nov. 26, 1748 


40 


20 


20 




Apr. 1, 1749 


50 


30 


20 




Apr. 6, 1750 


50 


30 


20 




Mar. 28, 1751 


50 


30 


20 




Dec. 9, 1751 


50 


30 


20 




Apr. 10, 1752 


50 


30 


20 




Oct. 28, 1752 


50 


30 


20 




May 31, 1758 


47 


30 


17 




May 20, 1759 


61 


36 


25 


6 


Dec. 22, 1761 


48 12 


40 


20 


"Several Scholars" 


May 11, 1762 


48 12 


30 


30 


"Several boys" 


Apr. 27, 1763 


48 12 


30 


30 


9 


May 29, 1764 


48 24 






8 5 


Apr. 27, 1765 


48 24 






10 6 


Sept. 29, 1766 


48 24 






19 11 


Oct. 20, 1767 


50 24 






12 7 


Oct. 18, 1768 


50 25 






13 7 


Oct. 18, 1769 


50 25 






15 7 


Oct. 16, 1770 


55 30 






12 4 


Oct. 16, 1771 


55 30 






12 8 


Oct. 17, 1772 


55 30 






15 13 


Nov. 7, 1773 


56 30 






18 11 


Dec. 30, 1775 


56 30 






16 12 


Oct. 6, 1776 


56 30 









Whether Hildreth had a schoolmistress assistant from the 
beginning is not shown. In view of the size of the school and 
the teaching of both sexes, it is more than probable that he did 
have such help for most of the time, and that he met the expense 
out of his own income. In 1761 a schoolmistress was employed 
by the Vestry, who was to have charge of the girls in needlework. 



183 s. p. g. Letter-book, B. 11, pp. 120-2; B, 13, p. 122; Journal, X, p. 170; Letter- 
book. B, 15, pp. 88, 120; B, 16, pp. 44, 54; B, 17, p. 98; B, 18, p. 100; B, 19, pp. 68, 
70; B, 20, pp. 58, 59; Journal XIV, pp. 113, 214, Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 153-171. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 107 

They were still to come to Hildreth one hour a day for instruc- 
tion in writing. 184 The duties of the schoolmistress were never 
clearly defined by Hildreth, but in frequent references to her it 
is certain that she remained in this work from 1761 until after 
the schoolmaster's death. 185 In addition to needlework she 
taught the girls to read only, these accomplishments with ability 
to write being held sufficient for girls. Further assistance was 
allowed by the Vestry in 1771. A former pupil was bound out 
to Mr. Hildreth for this purpose, according to a minute of the 
Vestry which is as follows: "Mrs. Wyley having agreed with the 
Vestry to bind her Son to Mr. Joseph Hildreth for four years to 
Act as an Usher or Assistant in the Charity School. It is resolved 
that this Corporation will allow and pay unto the said Mrs. Wyley 
the sum of Sixteen pounds p. Annum for the said four years to 
Commence from the first Day of January last and to Cloath her 
said Son in such decent manner as the Vestry shall from time to 
time think fitt." 186 In Hildreth's next report, this lad is thus 
spoken of: "The Vestry having been kind enough to allow me an 
assistant, a Lad brought up at my School, who has been a great 
help to me in forwarding the Children in their learning. He is 
a sober Youth and very assiduous." 187 There is a strong prob- 
ability that this lad was a son of the schoolmistress, for a further 
entry in the minutes of the Vestry suggests that Mrs. Wyley is 
herself the assistant of Mr. Hildreth. It reads: "Ordered that 
Mr. Clarkson, Mr. Bache and Mr. Van Dam be a Committee 
to have the Charity School-House (in which Mrs. Wyley lives) 
repaired in such manner as they shall think proper." 188 

Until 1748 Hildreth found his own schoolhouse. This was a 
discouraging feature of his work and he pressed the matter both 
with the S. P. G. and before the Vestry. 189 When Trinity first 
took up plans for the building of St. George's Chapel as a second 
place of worship in the city, Mr. Hildreth took advantage of the 
opportunity. He petitioned for the assistance of the Vestry in 
building a schoolhouse which the latter forthwith agreed to. It 



184 "The Vestry have also employed a School Mistress to instruct the Girls in Needle- 
work, and those that can Read come to me an hour in a day to be taught to write. " 
S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 153, Dec. 21, 1761. 

185 Ibid., B, 3. pp. 155, 156, 157, 158, 163, 167; Journal XX, p. 656. and XXI, pp- 
318-22. 

186 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 353, March 21, 1771. 

187 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3. p. 168, Oct. 17, 1772. 

188 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I. p. 359, Aug. 30. 1771. 

189 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 16. p. 54. 



108 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

was "Ordered that the Committee appointed for Considering 
of a proper place for Building a Chappell of Ease also Consider 
of Mr. Hildreth's Petition and make their Report thereon with 
all Convenient Expedition." 190 The report of the committee 
was ready at the next meeting in May 1748, and it was then 
"Ordered that so much of the Churches Ground adjoining to 
the Lutheran Church as the Church Wardens shall think proper 
be Appropriated for Building a Charity School." 191 Further 
progress in the building of a schoolhouse is shown in Hildreth's 
account sent the Society in the fall of the same year, in which, 
after giving the usual statistics concerning the pupils, he con- 
tinued : 

"Sometime in May last I drew up a Petition which I laid 
before ye Rector, Churchwardens, & Vestry of Trinity Church 
in this City, representing to them ye Circumstances of my 
School; . . . that if I could have a convenient House 
built on some of the Church's vacant ground it would be a great 
encouragement to me & my Successors in the faithful discharge 
of our duty and desir'd leave of his Excy the Honbie George Clin- 
ton, Esq. our Governour, to go round with a Subscription paper, 
in order to collect ye Charitable donations of well disposed Per- 
sons towards carrying on ye said building of a Charity School, 
(the Vestry having granted a sufficiency of the Church's Ground 
near ye sam for a spacious House, Yard, & Garden) which his 
Excy not only granted but greatly encourag'd the same by his 
own Subscription as also did our Rector, wth ye Church War- 
dens & Vestry, with many others who are well wishers to our 
Church, so that I have rais'd a considerable sum toward the 
Building, wee have only laid ye foundation this fall, and intend 
to get all materials ready agast next spring to carry on ye Build- 
ing which is to be of Brick 50 feet front & 26 ft. wide & 2 stories 
high, with a Cupola for a small Bell, the lower part to be for ye 
dwelling, wth a Kitchen adjoining, and ye upper Stores wen will 
be in one spacious Room for the School, wen by God's blessing 
I hope will be compleat by next fall. This Pious design being a 
thing so absolutely necessary as 'tis at prest ye only Charity 
School in this City (except a Dutch one) surely will be a standing 
Monument of the Society's Bounty, who were the first promoters 



190 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 250, Apr. 15, 1748. 
m Ibid., May 3, 1748. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 109 

and for so long time supported the same, to the immortal Honour 
of that truly Charitable Body." 192 And a letter of the same 
date from the Rector, Rev. Henry Barclay, adds this further in- 
formation: "Mr. Hildreth also Discharges his Duty with fidelity, 
and for his farther Encouragement there has been a Subscription 
made of upwards of £300, to which the Vestry of Trinity Church 
will ad a Sum sufficient to Build a Handsome School & Dwelling 
House for the Use of the Societys Schoolmaster for the Time 
being, The foundation of which is Already finishd Being 50 feet 
in length and 23 in Bredth, and a Wing of 18 feet Square." 193 In 
March 1749 Mr. Hildreth had liberty to keep his school in the 
belfry of the Church till the schoolhouse was completed, 194 
which was in the fall of that year. The cost of the building is 
not known but that it was more than £300 is proved by a Vestry 
order directing that "Coll. Robinson (Churchwarden) furnish 
and pay such Moneys as shall be necessary (over and above the 
Subscriptions) for Carrying on and Compleating the Building 
for the Public School." 195 The school building which Hildreth 
reported as being "one of the most beautiful edifices in this 
city," 196 was occupied about November 1749. 197 In the follow- 
ing February it was destroyed by fire through some unknown 
cause. 198 The incident occasioned severe accusations against 



192 S. P. G. Letter-book. B, 16, p. 54, Nov. 6, 1748. Italics not in original. 

193 ibid., p. 55. The facade was "entirely of hewn stone." Hildreth to the Sec, 
Apr., 1, 1749, ibid., 17, p. 98. 

194 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 254. 

195 Ibid. 

196 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 18, p. 100, Apr. 6, 1750; also B, 17, p. 116, which men- 
tions the "large handsome School." 

197 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 256. 

198 The following account is from the New York Weekly Post Boy of February 26 
1750: "Friday Morning last about 4 o'clock, a violent Fire broke out in the new 
Free School-House Kept by Mr. Joseph Hildreth Clerk of Trinity Church in this 
City; which got to such height before it was discovered as to render it impossible to 
save it from being entirely destroyed; . . . and tho' it stood at a considerable dis- 
tance from the Church, yet the flames ascended so high, and carried with them such 
Abundance of Live Coals, as to put the Church in imminent danger, particularly 
the steeple ; which was set on Are five several times, almost at the top, what little wind 
there was setting directly on it; notwithstanding which, by the good Providence of 
God, and the Diligence and Activity of a few Persons within who broke Holes through, 
it was happily extinguished, and preserved : There was scarce any thing saved out of 
the house, from the fury of the Fire; and we are assured besides a great deal of furni- 
ture and other things, the Records of the Church are Entirely consumed. The whole 
Loss sustain'd is supposed to be near Two Thousand Pounds Value." Printed in 
Dix, History of the Parish of Trinity Church, I, p. 252. Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, 
p. 257. 



110 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Hildreth which he felt called upon to defend in public. 109 If the 
charges had any basis in fact they stand out as the sole criticisms 
of the schoolmaster among a great number of testimonials to 
his praiseworthy characteristics as a man and a schoolmaster. 200 
After the fire Hildreth's school went back to the Church steeple 
in which, said the schoolmaster, "I can make a good shift during 
the summer, but for want of a fireplace it will be too cold in 
winter." 201 The Vestry took immediate steps to rebuild and 
another subscription paper was circulated for the purpose. No 
record of this second amount is available. The rebuilding com- 
mittee of the Vestry let the new contract "for the Sum of three 
hundred and Seventy five pounds certain and Twenty five pounds 
more when the whole is Compleated if it shall appear they shall 
deserve the same." 202 In October 1751 the new building was 
ready for occupancy and Hildreth was again commissioned to 
use it. At least he was given liberty "to keep his School in the 
School Room of the New Charity School House till further 
Orders." 203 In 1753, practically the entire use of the building 
was granted him, the Vestry having ordered "that the said Joseph 
Hildreth with his Family have the Care and Use of the Charity 
School House from the first of May next till further Order, he 
always taking Care and keeping Clean the Vestry Room in the 



199 Hildreth sent the following to the editor of the Weekly Post Boy which was 
printed in the issue of March 5, 1750 together with the affidavit mentioned: 

"Mr. Parker, 

I desire you'll print the Affidavit herewith sent, in your next Gazette, that 
those who have either inadvertently or maliciously, aspers'd my Character, 
at a Time when I had lost my All, by the merciless Flames, and when it would 
have become them much better, to have assisted me and my poor Family, 
with their Charity; may judge whether the Calumny proceeded from the 
Envy some Persons in this Town had to my person, or the Station I was in. 
And I hereby beg all those who have been so ill-natured, as to cast a Blemish on 
my Reputation, and thereby added to my Affliction, if they can prove any of 
those gross Immoralities wherewith they have charged me, to do it as pub- 
lickly and speedily as they can; otherwise let them take Shame to themselves^ 
and endeavour to repair the great Loss I have sustained by Means of their 
False Aspersions. 

Joseph Hildreth." 

The accompanying document attested that Hildreth's family were out of town on 
the night of the fire and that Hildreth himself had stayed at the home of friends in 
the city. It concluded: "the Deponent saith, That while they were at Waters's as 
aforesaid, there was not any Gaming in their Company; and that he never saw or 
heard, that the said Mr. Hildreth did game, or that he was addicted to Liquor; but 
on the contrary, he believes him to be a very sober, diligent Man, he having been 
much with him during the Time Aforesaid; and further saith not. " Printed in N. Y . 
Hist. Soc. Pub., 1870, p. 155. 

200 The charges may have been the reflection of the bitter feeling toward the Church 
and Society, which in 1750 was acute. 

201 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 18, p. 100. 

202 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 258, June 15, 1750. The additional £25 was 
voted on completion of tha schoolhouse. Ibid., p. 260. 

203 Ibid., p. 260, Oct. 3, 1751. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 111 

said School House." 204 In 1758 the school was presented with a 
bell by Mr. Thomas Randall, 205 and, to properly house it, the 
Vestry added a cupola to the building. 206 This schoolhouse 
continued to be used until 1768, when the Vestry decided to 
devote the school plant to a rectory. Accordingly it was "Un- 
animously Resolved and Ordered that the present Charity School 
House be altered and made into a neat and convenient Dwelling 
House and when finished That the Same together with the Yard 
and Garden thereunto belonging be appropriated and set apart 
for the use and dwelling of the Present Rector of the said Church 
and his Successors forever, free from the payment of any rent 
for the same, And that a New School House be erected on some 
other part of the Lands belonging to this Corporation to serve 
and be made use of for the Charity School instead of the Present 
one." 207 Proper lots for the third schoolhouse were selected and 
then it was found they could not be used for some time because 
of leaseholds. 208 To meet the difficulty a temporary structure 
was put up in compliance with the following: " Ordered that a 
Temporary School House of Fifty feet in front and Thirty feet 
deep be erected and built on some of the Lotts behind Trinity 
Church and that the same be built of Brick and Covered with 
Tile or Slate." 209 From this time until 1776 no further mention 
is made of a permanent schoolhouse by the Vestry Minutes or 
in other records examined. In 1772, however, it was voted to 
repair the " Charity School House" in which Mrs. Wyley lived, 
reference to which has been already made. 210 The same year 
steps were taken to secure the consent of the Common Council 
for the erecting a schoolhouse, church, parsonage house and 
burying ground " on a piece of land in the out ward of the city. " 2U 
A second schoolhouse was eventually provided, because it is 
recorded that the great conflagration of 1776 destroyed "two 
Charity School Houses." 212 Therefore a new permanent build- 
ing must have been erected on the designated lots, leaving the 



204 Ibid., p. 269, Apr. 5, 1753. 
™Ibid., p. 258. 

206 July 28, 1760, ibid., p. 296. 

207 March 25, 1768, ibid., p. 333. 

208 Ibid., p. 334. 

209 Ibid., Apr. 18, 1768. 

210 See p. 107. 

211 Ibid., p. 363; see also Dix, op. cit., 1, pp. 348-9. 

212 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 398. 



112 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

"temporary schoolhouse" for the use of the schoolmistress; or 
else the old schoolhouse, which was burned in 1750, was repaired 
for that use. On three different occasions in 1768 the Vestry- 
voted sums aggregating £2100 to the work of completing "the 
parsonage and Schoolhouse." 213 Such an amount would have 
been sufficient to defray the expense of the parsonage repairs, 
of the temporary schoolhouse, and of the ultimate construction 
of an adequate and permanent building for the school. 

The events of 1776 in New York interrupted Mr. Hildreth's 
school for a time. Amongst other disasters the schoolhouse was 
again destroyed and the school had to be resumed in a private 
house. The quotation herewith is descriptive of Hildreth's 
plight: "My full complement of Scholars viz. 56 Boys & 30 
Girls regularly attended untill the beginning of July last, from 
which time they by degrees dwindled to a small number. Im- 
mediately after the Declaration of Independence by the Con- 
gress, our Clergy shut up the Churches, this increased the perse- 
cution against Friends to Government most of whom were obliged 
to leave the City, to avoide being sent Prisoners to New England 
as many already were, for no other Crime, than that of being Loyal 
Subjects. We were then entirely in the hands of Rebels from 
New England. At this time I found it necessary for my own 
safety to retire, which I did, and a few days after the King's 
troops took possession I return'd but to my great Surprise and 
Grief I found the City in Flames, by which a great part was con- 
sumed, and among the rest, our Antient Beautiful Parish Church 
the Parsonage & School-House. So rapid and violent were the 
flames that nothing could be saved out of either. I have taken 
a vacant House, and am collecting my Poor Scholars together. 
I have at present 25 Boys & 10 Girls, but as the Inhabitants are 
now daily coming in, I expect in a short time to have my full 
number." 214 Not only Hildreth's, but the other schoolhouse, 
was included in Trinity Church's great loss, the value of these 
two alone being £2000. 215 



213 Apr. 22, July 7, Nov. 7, 1768, ibid., pp. 334, 336, 338. 

2W October 6, 1776. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 171. 

215 Note the following report from the Vestry Minutes of June 9, 1777: " The com- 
mittee that was appointed to Estimate the Damage this Corporation had sustained 
by the late Are, made a report in writing, in the words following (to witt) — 

Pursuant to an order of Vestry of the 1st of April last to us directed, to 
Estimate the loss of the Corporation of the Rector and inhabitants of the 
City of New-York, in Communion of the Church of England, as by Law es- 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 113 

Books continued to be supplied to Hildreth as to the preceding 
teachers and most of them were still of a doctrinal nature. In 
1776 he wrote: "The greatest difficulty I meet with is the want 
of School Books, writing paper & Lewis's Catechisms, which I 
am extremely in want of;" 216 and in another letter, thanking the 
Society for books "sent for the school," he said: "Nothing 
could be more acceptable, as they were very much wanted and 
not a prayer book to be bought in this City, occasioned by the 
nonimportation." 217 In 1767 the S. P. G. voted the School 
"50 of Fisher's Spelling books & 30 primers." 218 Three times 
money was voted for the purchase of books. 219 In addition to 
these, specific grants of Prayer-books amounted to about 150, 
catechisms to about 200, and Lewis's explanation thereof to 
about 275. 220 

The scholars under Mr. Hildreth continued to attend the 
church services in a body. With the building of the new and 
larger church in 1764, more spacious quarters were assigned the 
school. 221 Hildreth took particular pains to teach his pupils 
psalmody, in consequence of which he wrote to the Society: 
They "can join with great decency, in singing the Psalms in 



tablished have sustained by the late Fire which happened in the City of New- 
York on the 21st day of September last, do report, That the said Corporation 
have lost Twenty two thousand two hundred pounds in the four following 
Buildings, which was consumed by the Fire, — 

Trinity Church, including the Organ £17,500 

Parsonage or Rectors House 2,500 

Two Charity School-Houses & Fencings 2,000 

Library 200 

£22,200 
besides the loss to the Corporation of £536 p. Annum, the Annual rent of 246 
lots of ground the Tennants' buildings being all Consumed by the fire. In 
Witness whereof, we have signed this report the 13th day of May, 1777. 
Elias Desbrosses, Charles Shaw, Antho Van Dam, William Laight." 
See also Rev. Mr. Inglis' account of the Are and the saving of St. Paul's Church 
and King's College. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 68, October 31, 1776. 

216 Ibid., B, 3, p. 159. 

217 Ibid., B, 3, p. 165, Oct. 16, 1770. 

218 s. P. G. Journal, XVII, p. 231. Trinity Vestry's grant of such books has been 
noted before, see p. 104, 

219 In 1750, £5 for "proper School Books for the Scholars;" in 1753, "50 sh. worth 
of Bibles, Psalters, & Ch. Catechisms;" in 1774, "small tracts to the amount of 40 
shillings. " Ibid., XI, p. 244; XII, p. 292; XX, p. 66. 

220 Ibid., X, p. 112; XI, p. 38; XII, p. 152; XV, p 386; XVIII, p. 264; XX, p. 66. 

221 "Resolved that a Gallery be Erected on Each side of the Organ above the pre- 
sent Gallerys for the use of the Charity Schollars and Ordered that the same Commit- 
tee that are Appointed to build the New Church have power to do the same in such 
manner as they Shall think most Convenient and best." Trinity Vestry Minutes, 
Apr. 24, 1764, I, p. 312. 



114 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Church and always entertain the Congregation on the Grand 
Festivals and at Charity Sermons &c. with an Hymn suitable 
to the Occasion, which has given great satisfaction." 222 The 
children took part in other public functions. On the dedication 
of St. George's Chapel the entire school participated in the 
exercises of this occasion. The following is reported in a news- 
paper of that period: 

"Last Wednesday (being the Day appointed) was open'd St. George's 
Chapel, upon which Occasion, the Rector, Assistant, Church-Wardens, and 
Vestry, of Trinity-Church assembled in the Vestry-Room, in the Charity 
School-House, where they were met by some of the town and Neighboring 
Clergy, and other Gentlemen of Distinction, from whence they set out in 
regular Form and Order, attended by the Charity Schollars, 40 Boys and 12 
Girls, who walked before in Pairs, with their School-Master at the Head of 
them; and at the City Hall were join'd by the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, 
and Common Council." 223 

In like manner the scholars were called upon to act as a guard 
of honor on such solemn public occasions as that of the burial 
of the Governor. In announcing the burial of Sir Henry Moore, 
the New York Chronicle of September 14, 1769, thus referred 
to the part taken by the Charity School: 

"The Governor's remains were interred the evening of the next day, in 
the Chancel of Trinity Church. The corpse was preceded by the 16th Regi- 
ment, the Charity-School-Boj r s, and the Clergy of all persuasions. .... 
"The first part of the procession was as follows: 

I. 
"The 16th Regiment with their Arms Reversed. 

II. 
"Twenty Boys belonging to the Charity School. 

III. 
"Twenty of said Boys with lighted Flambeax. ,,2M 

Other evidences of public approbation, outside of the circle of 
the Church, can be cited. One of these from the files of the 
New York Mercury will serve as an illustration: 

"BY PERMISSION OF HIS HONOR THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR. 

For the Benefit of the 

CHARITY SCHOOL 

By a Company of Comedians. 

At the New Theatre in Chapel-Street, this Day, 
being the 25th Instant, will be presented, 



222 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 163, Oct. 18, 1768. 

223 From New York Weekly Post Boy, July 13, 1752. Quoted by Dix, op. cit., I, 
p. 260. f. 

224 Quoted in Dix, op. cit., I, pp. 329-330. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 115 

A Comedy, call'd the 

COMMITTEE: 

or 

The Faithful Irishman. 

The Part of Teague to be perform'd by 

Mr. HALLAM, 
And the Part of Ruth to be performed by 

Mrs. DOUGLASS 
To which will be added a farce, call'd 
A WONDER 
An HONEST Yorkshireman! 

The Part of GAYLOVE to be performed by 

MR. QUELCH, 
And the Part of Arbella, by Mrs. Morris. 

Tickets without which no persons can be admitted to be had of H. Gaine, 
Printer, Bookseller, and Stationer, at his Printing-Office at the Bible & Crown 
in Hanover Square. 

The Ladies and Gentlemen who chuse to have boxes reserved for them, 
are desired to send to Mr. Douglass. " m 

The troubles and losses of 1776 were a hard blow to Mr. Hil- 
dreth in his rapidly declining years. 226 Having reopened his 
school soon after the city was taken by the King's troops, he 
quickly collected his usual class of eighty-six. In the midst of 
preparations for getting thoroughly established Mr. Hildreth 
died. 227 The Rector of Trinity, Rev. Mr. Inglis, assumed charge of 
the school. On July 24, 1777, he wrote the S. P. G. describing 
his disposition of the scholars and his plan for the continuation 
of the school, as follows: "We were looking out for a more con- 
venient House for the School than the one which Mr.Hildreth 
occupied after his Return, (the School Houses being destroyed 
by the great Fire in September) & every Thing promised well 
with Respect to the Charity School; but his Death has involved 
us in new Embarrasments. With the Consent & assistance of 



225 The New York Mercury, April 26, 1762. Quoted in Dix, op. cit., I, p. 297; see 
also p. 255. "On Monday last the Committee was acted at the Theatre, in this City, 
for the benefit of the Charit;* School, by which a handsome Sum was raised and de- 
livered by Mr. Doughlass to the Church Wardens for that Purpose. This is the 
Second Play the Company has given this season to Public Uses; which, with their 
unblameable conduct during their residence here and the Entertainment the Town 
has receiv'd from their performances, has greatly increased the number of their 
friends, and Considerably Obviated many Objections hitherto made against Thea- 
trical Representations in this City. " The New York Mercury, May 3, 1762. Quoted 
in Dix, op. cit., I, p. 298. 

226 See letter of Hannah Hildreth to Sec, July 23, 1777, S. P. G. Letter-book. B, 
3, p. 172. 

227 May 10, 1777, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 71. "Last week died at his House 
in this City Mr. Joseph Hildreth, who for about 40 years past was Clerk of Trinity 
Church and had the care of the Trinity School here; He was always esteemed an up- 
right, honest Man. " The New-York Gazette, May 12, 1777. 



116 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

the Vestry, I have placed the Charity Boys in two private Schools 
that are taught in the City; where the utmost Care is taken of 
them, & under our Inspection as formerly, & where they are to 
remain untill a Person whom I have engaged, arrives & takes 
Charge of them. The Charity Girls still continue under the 
former School Mistress. Several Persons, after Mr. Hildreth's 
Death, offered their Service to teach the School, & act as Clerk; 
but I was anxious that a Person of good Principles & Character, 
& otherwise well qualified, should succeed Mr. Hildreth. Such 
a Person I found in Mr. Amos Bull, who is a man of unblemished 
moral Character, of steady Loyalty, a good English Scholar, 
writes a fair Hand, is well skilled in Church Music, & has an 
excellent Voice. He had taught Psalmody in this City for some 
Years, & was instrumental in improving many Members of the 
Congregation in that Part of Divine Worship. Like many other 
Loyal Subjects, he was obliged to fly, when the Rebels had the 
Ascendency here; but when Sir Wm. Howe reduced the City, 
he returned; & for a present Support, took an office in the Com- 
missary's Department & went to Rhode Island with the Troops 
that were sent there last Winter. I wrote to him there, & he 
has undertaken the offices of Clerk & Master of the Charity 
School. He is to be here next September, his Business not ad- 
mitting of a speedier Return. I most earnestly request that 
the Society would be pleased to continue the same allowance to 
Mr. Bull, when he enters on those offices, that they have made 
to Mr. Hildreth; we never stood in greater Need of their As- 
sistance; for the losses we sustained have been so great, that 
without their kind aid, we shall not be able to support 
Mr. Bull." 228 

Mr. Amos Bull succeeded to the charity school early in 1778 
and began his labors on April first. 229 The boys had remained 
in the two private schools since Hildreth's death and it had 
proved a great tax on the Church. 230 Because of this expense 
the number which was being privately maintained, it appears, 
was reduced. Mr. Bull stated that he began with a small num- 
ber. 231 By October 1778 the school was again up to the previous 



228 s. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 71. 

229 s. P. G. Journal XXI, p. 233; Letter-book, B, 3, p. 173. 

230 Rev. Dr. Inglis to Sec, May 1, 1778, S. P. G. Journal, XXI, p. 318 fit. 

231 s. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 173. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 117 

enrolment of 86, and according to Dr. Inglis it seemed never in 
a more prosperous condition. Especially was this true, it was 
said, "so far as relates to the care paid to the children's instruc- 
tion." This afforded the Church "no small pleasure, when every 
other institution" about them was "either sinking or totally de- 
stroyed by the ravages of war." 232 "Manyof theBoys are promis- 
ing youths ... & they are visited once a Month by the 
Trustees & carefully examined, " wrote Mr. Bull. 233 The S. P. G. 
had voted Mr. Bull the schoolmaster's salary of £15 only. 234 
Soon after his taking charge of the school, the Vestry settled the 
usual salaries upon him and undertook the task of providing 
a building for the use of the school and the schoolmaster's family. 
These facts are set forth in the following entry from the Vestry 
Minutes: "The Reverend Mr. Inglis from the Committee to 
treat with Mr. Amos Bull (now in town) to succeed Mr. Joseph 
Hildreth deceased late Parish Clerk and Master of the Charity 
School in this city reported that they had agreed with Mr. Bull 
for that purpose at the Annual Salary of Fifteen pounds as Par- 
ish Clerk and sixty pounds as Master of the Charity school and 
the Customary fees and perquisites over and above what maybe 
Allowed to him by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel 
in Foreign parts, Ordered that the said report be confirmed and 
that the said Two Salaries commence this Day and be paid by 
the Churchwardens as usual; ordered that Mr. Bache Mr. Ed- 
ward Laight and Mr. Ustick be a Committee to provide a proper 
house to Accomodate Mr. Bull's family and for the Charity 
School upon the best Terms they can." 235 Within the year Mr. 
Bull found the combined income insufficient and induced the 
Vestry to allow £40 more for the year 1779. 236 They further 
"Resolved and Ordered that until such time as the Ten pounds 
Sterling formerly allowed from England ... as Catechist 
to the Negroes be remitted . . ." the Corporation would 
pay the amount, computing it "from the time his other Salary 
commenced." 237 In 1780 the Vestry was again called upon to 



232 Quoted from letter of Dr. Inglis to Sec, in S. P. G. Journal, XXI, p. 394 ff. 

233 Apr. 20, 1779, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 173. 

234 Mr. Hildreth, it has been shown, was enjoying an addtional salary of £10 as. 
the society's catechist. 

235 Apr. 21, 1778, Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 401. 

236 March 30, 1779, ibid., p. 406. 

237 ibid. 



118 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

meet the depreciation in the purchasing power of the school- 
master's income. This was done, as follows: "Mr. Amos Bull 
Clerk of the Parish and Master of the Charity School represented 
to the Board the Insufficiency of his present salary and per- 
quisites for a Decent Support and declared that he could not 
subsist under an Additional Allowance of One hundred pounds. 
And the Board taking under Consideration the Extravagant 
Prices of every Article of Living at this Time, Resolved that 
Mr. Bull be Allowed and paid out of the Charity School Fund 
for this present year to commence from Easter Tuesday last the 
said Sum of One hundred pounds in Addition to his present 
Allowance, but it is expected that if Mr. Bull Intends leaving 
the School that he will give the Corporation Six Months Notice 
thereof that they may have an Opportunity of Providing a proper 
person to Succeed him, which he Engaged to Do." 238 The man- 
ner in which the Church met the crisis of exorbitant prices and 
kept the charity school open is interestingly told in a letter from 
Dr. Inglis to the S. P. G., in which he said: 

"I have the Pleasure to inform you that our Charity School 
is in a very flourishing Way. Mr. Bull is attentive to his Duty 
the Children are very regular, & make a surprising Progress in 
their Learning. All the Necessaries of Life have arisen to more 
than treble their former Price in this City, The Expense attending 
the School has proportionally increased, & yet we have made 
but a small Reduction in the Number of Scholars — formerly 
we had 86 — now we have 80 we should be under a Necessity 
of reducing the Number much Lower; but People contribute 
generously to the Support of the Institution, which is the only 
one that has survived the general wreck occasioned by this de- 
testable Rebellion. The Commander in Chief, Sir Henry Clin- 
ton, has been so good as to assist us with some Fuel, & our Com- 
mandant, Major General Pattison, a gentleman distinguished 
for his Humanity & Politeness, has been pleased to exempt the 
School Houses from Billets which was a matter of the utmost 
Consequence to us, & otherwise to patronize this excellent In- 
stitution." 239 The reduction to 80 pupils was for a very short 
time. By the next spring 86 pupils were again reported and 



238 Apr. 11, 1780, ibid., p. 414. 

«9 Nov. 26, 1779. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 72. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 119 

this continued to be the number. 240 Writing in 1782, the Rec- 
tor of Trinity again voiced the Church's pleasure over the suc- 
cessful operation of the school . He also urged the need of the 
Society's bounty, doubtless realizing that it must soon be with- 
drawn. Dr. Inglis said: "The Charity School never was in a 
more nourishing state than now & for some time past By the 
generous Contributions of the Gentlemen of the Army and Navy, 
& of the Inhabitants in general we have been enabled to keep up 
the old Number of Scholars, which is 86; although the Expence is 
near treble what it was formerly. But Contributions are un- 
certain & precarious; & should any Deduction be made from 
our Stated Funds, we should probably be under the necessity 
of diminishing the Number of Scholars at a time when the In- 
stitution was never more necessary, & when applications are 
made for many more (especially by distressed Refugees) than 
we can admit. I cannot for this Reason, forbear expressing my 
anxiety & earnest wish that the Salary of £15 Sterl. may be 
continued by the Society." 241 

During the war plans were begun for providing funds with 
which to rebuild the schoolhouse. It was proposed in 1780 to 
raise £2000 by means of lotteries, 242 but the matter did not get 
beyond this stage for years to come. In 1787 and 1790 Vestry 
committees were ordered to report on the expense of rebuilding, 243 
and on January 10, 1791, the scheme was indefinitely postponed 
because "upon considering the present Exigencies of the Corpora- 
tion, the Board thought proper to defer the Consideration of 
this Subject to a future Opportunity." 244 In the meantime the 
Church rented such suitable quarters for the school as it was 
able to secure. During the period of the war the school occupied 
quarters "in the Broad Way." 245 

After serving four years as schoolmaster, during which "he 
had discharged his Duty with great Fidelity," 246 Mr. Bull re- 
signed and the Vestry immediately filled the position by the 



240 s. P. G. Journal, XXII, pp. 142, 172. 

2« May 6, 1782, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 74. 

242 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 414. 

243 Ibid., pp. 491, 492, 536. 

244 ibid., p. 537. 

245 "Ordered that the Seal of the Corporation be affixed to a bond to the Execution 
of Samuel Bayard for the ballance due them from the Corporation on account of the 
rent of a house in the Broad Way occupied during the War by the Charity School." 
Oct. 7, 1785, ibid., p. 479. 

246 s. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 74. 



120 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

appointment of Mr. Ebenezer Street. 247 The Society was earn- 
estly requested to continue the regular allowance to Mr. 
Street, 248 which it agreed to. But in doing so the S. P. G. sub- 
mitted the following protest to Dr. IngJis, the Rector: "I believe 
that you have already been informed by Dr. Chandler, that the 
Society have complied with the desire of Your Vestry in granting 
the same Salary of £15 to Mr. Ebenezer Street, now School 
Master at New York, as Mr. Bull enjoyed. At the same time 
I must confess to you, that had it not been pressed by yourself, 
I don't think the Society would have adopted the measure so 
readily. Many members were of opinion, that so considerable 
a place did not want that assistance, & that it had been too long 
allowed by the Society. Something of this you will perceive in 
the Resolution of the Board 'That the Salary be allowed in con- 
sideration of the present unsettled state of affairs but that in- 
quiry be made into the annual emoluments of the Schoolmaster, 
exclusive of the Society's bounty, as it appears extraordinary 
that any assistance should be wanting to support a School at 
N. York.' You will be so kind therefore as to give me some 
satisfaction on these points. Be assured of this, that the So- 
ciety are always disposed to do everything in their Power for the 
promoting of Religion, & in the distribution of their benevolence 
would wish always to have it placed where it is absolutely neces- 
sary, .& where it can be of most extensive use. 

(Signed) Wm. Morrice Secretary." 249 
The Vestry's agreement with Mr. Street as to salary suggests, 
in an interesting manner, that the latter outclassed his prede- 
cessors in ability to drive a professional bargain. The agree- 
ment is given herewith : 

"The Corporation agreed with Mr. Ebenezer Street ... on the follow- 
ing Terms for the ensuing year : 

" 1st As Schoolmaster he is to be allowed a House and ten Cords of Oak 
Wood per Annum. 



247 May 1, 1782, ibid. 

248 ibid. 

249 Ai'g. 6, 1782. From a copy in Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, 428. In view of 
this letter the Vestry took action as follows: "It was thereupon ordered, That the 
Committee for Auditing the Charity Accounts, wait on Mr. Beach, & that they 
(with him if he can conveniently attend) do draw up an Account of the Institution, 
its Progress & Proceedings adjoining thereto a State of its Funds, & its Annual Re- 
ceipts and Expenditures from its Institution to the present day, & that they report 
to the Vestry as soon as possible that the Society may have the information they 
request " Dec. 9, 1782, ibid. But this seems to have been all that was done, for 
the writer has been unable to find such an account or any further reference to it 
either in the Vestry Minutes or in the S. P. G. papers. 



The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 121 

"2d Although the Sallary for the School Master is no more than £60 per 
annum, yet this Corporation in consideration of the dearness of living in the 
present times will allow Mr. Street at the rate of £200 per Ann m New York 
Currency. 

"3d In Consideration that Samuel Street, son of Mr. E. Street, is regu- 
larly to Attend as Assistant to his father in the said School, the Corporation 
have agreed to permit them to take twenty private Scholars provided that 
this indulgence shall not prevent their attentions to the public School. 

"4th Mr. Street and his Son are to attend diligently to the Instruction of 
the Charity Children in Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, and Psalmody, and 
to be particularly attentive to the Morals and decent behavior of the Chil- 
dren and take them to Church whenever Divine Service is performed. 

"5th As Parish Clerk the Corporation are to allow him at the rate of fifteen 
Pounds pr Ann m New York Currency, being the usual Salary and he is to 
perform the duties and receive the Customary Fees appertaining to that 
office. 

"6th As Mr. Street undertakes the office of Catechist to the Negroes in 
Consideration of that duty being duly performed, the Corporation agreed to 
pay him at the rate of ten pounds Sterling pr Ann m and will recommend him 
to the Society for the Propogation of the Gospel for their usual bounty al- 
lowed to such Catechist. " 250 

There remains no report of Mr. Street's school, so that it is 
not certain whether the innovation of private scholars was carried 
out or not. Presumably it was and caused dissatisfaction, since 
the Vestry imposed a rule on his successor, which stated that, 
"he is to conform in every respect to the rules laid down for 
Mr. Street excepting his taking in private Scholars in the day 
time which is not to be allowed." 251 In September 1783 Street 
informed the Vestry that he was obliged to leave the city and 
begged leave to resign. This was accepted and Mr. Edward 
Haswell was named as the schoolmaster, "till May next." 252 
In April 1784 Mr. John Wood assumed charge of the school. 253 
The Society's support, however, ceased with the work of Mr. 
Street. One payment of £15 was sent him, 254 after which all 
relationship between the S. P. G. and the work in New York City 
seems to have terminated. 



250 Apr. 15, 1782, ibid., p. 424. Street did not receive the appointment of cate- 
chist from the S. P. G. 

251 ibid., p. 432. 

252 ibid., Sept. 18, 1783. 

253 ibid., p. 441. 

254 Abstracts of the Society's Proceedings, Feb. 21, 1782 to Feb. 21, 1783. 



CHAPTER VII 

THE SOCIETY'S SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS IN 
WESTCHESTER COUNTY* 

The Schools in the Parish of Rye 

The beginning of the educational work of the Society in Rye 
was due to the initiative and enthusiastic aid of Col. Caleb 
Heathcote, whose country seat was in the parish of Rye. 1 In 
1704 Heathcote set up a school in the parish and engaged as 
the schoolmaster, Mr. Joseph Cleator. 2 After a short period of 
teaching Cleator was called to England, whereupon Heathcote 
and the people used the opportunity to further urge the assistance 
of the Society. In a letter to the Bishop of London, Heathcote 
said: "I send your Lordship here inclosed copie.of a short Letter 
wch went via Boston; this comes chiefly to accompany the bearer 
Mr. Joseph Cleator, who has lived about 4 years in this Province 
the greatest part whereof he has lived with me, & has always ap- 
proved himself a very honest man & regular in his life, & being 
exceeding firm & zealous for the Interest of the Church, I recom- 



* For this account the writer has consulted Bolton, Hist, of the P. E. Church in 
Westchester County; Baird, Hist, of Rye Parish; but it has been necessary to depend 
nearly altogether on the S. P. G. records direct. 

i The Manor of Scarsdale. 

» " I did in my last Acquaint you that I would put forward a School in Westchester 
County which I hope in a few months to inform you I have done, haveing the Pro- 
mise of an extraordinary good man for a Schoolmaster, one who is not only very Arm 
to the Church, but I am sure will be Indefatigable to Instill those Principles into the 
youth and Children of whom the greatest Hopes are I believe at first setting out. It 
will be attended with some Difficulties, that I beg the Favor of you to move the So- 
ciety that they would be pleas'd (untill such time as we are able to carry it on wtbout 
help to give us £15 a vear or what they shall think Convent, towards maintaining 
of the Schoolmr & I will take care wtt the blessing of Almighty God to make it as 
Usefull as I can to the Church and that Satisfactory Accts shall be sent over how the 
same is Employ'd and w' good is done for it & I pray for you likewise to move that 
some Catechisms and Prayr Books be sent over for the Scholars. Sr, The People of 
the Westchester County are more Geniiy English than they are in any County of 
the Govmt & Altho' there is not at present above 2000 souls in it, yett it contains a 
very great Body of Land & generally the best I have seen in any of these parts, that 
time will make it a Great Peopled County, that, were the Church wth Schools well 
settled in its Minority, It would in future ages probably bear no other ffruit. " Heath- 
cote to the Sec, June 1, 1704, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 1, p. 174. In an earlier letter 
Heathcote had the project in mind, but his activity against Sabbath breaking and 
in behalf of the Church service raised a storm against him and made him defer for 
awhile. Ibid., p. 182. 

122 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 123 

ended him to the Towne of Rye & Mamaroneck for their School- 
master & is ye same person I formerly mentioned to yor Lord- 
ship & ye Society, but before he had been very long in that Serv- 
ice he received Letters from his Friends in England, earnestly 
desiring his return to settle some of his private concerns, wen 
he is come to do; ye People & his Scholars are so fond of him, 
that his leaving them is a very sore affliction to them all & have 
in an uncomon manner pray'd me to use my utmost Endeavours 
that he may return to them again. I have desired Mr. Clay tor 
to wait upon yor Lordship & do most earnestly beseech your 
Lordship in behalf of those people to use yor Interest with the 
Society that he may have some allowance from them to encourage 
his return & really my Lord when ye Societj^have been at never 
so much expence in sending Ministers a full half of the work 
must be done by good Schoolmasters, to root & fix ye principles 
of the Church in our Youth. I'm sure I need not use many 
Arguments in a matter so agreeable to yor Lordships Inclina- 
tions." 3 The letter was accompanied by the following petition: 

"To the Rt Reverend Father in God Henry Lord Bishop of London — The 
humble address of several of the Inhabitants and Freeholders of the Towns 
of Rye & Mamaroneck in behalf of Themselves & y e rest of the S d Inhabi- 
tants. 

"We the Inhabitants and Freeholders of the Towns of Rye and Mamaro- 
neck in y e Province of N. York out of the deep sense we have of that un- 
parallel'd care & Tenderness yo r Lordship has been pleased at all times to 
manifest for the Prosperity and welfare of this Province, are hereby embold- 
ened to become most humble Supplicants to yo r Lordship in behalf of Mr. 
Joseph Cleator y e Presenter hereof who did make a beginning to teach School 
.in our Towns, but his own private Affairs requiring his immediate Attendance 
in England he could not continue long amongst us to our inexpressible grief 
he being a very sober man and good schoolmaster and not only indefatigable 
in Teaching our Children but in Catechising and otherwise Instructing them 
to our wonderful Satisfaction. 

"We therefore most humbly prayyo 1 " Lordship to endeavour the procuring 
him such an allowance from y e Society w cn with what we are able to give him 
might encourage his Return, amongst us, And as in Duty bound we shall 
ever pray for yo r LdP s long life and Happiness." 4 

Acting on the above petitions, Cleator was appointed school- 
master by the Society, March 2, 1704/5, with an annual allow- 
ance of £15. 5 He was not ready to return to Rye for more than 
a year after this, as the following minute from the S. P. 
G. Journal indicates: "Also that Mr. Joseph Cleator (whom the 



* Oct. 23, 1704, ibid.. A, 2, p. 37. 

4 The copies of signatures here follow, ibid., A, 2, p. 45. 

s S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 186. 



124 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Society upon the recommendation of Col. Heathcote had ap- 
pointed Schoolmaster at Rye, N. Y. at a salary of £15 per an- 
num) has attended them & acquainted them that he was now- 
going over to his post, & that the Committee had thereupon 
procured from the Lord Bishop of London a Letter to the Lord 
High Treasurer for the Queens Bounty of £20 to the said Mr. 
Cleator, and had moreover provided him with a copy of the So- 
ciety's Instructions to Schoolmasters. Ordered Mr. Cleator's 
salary do commence from Midsummer last." 6 Still other de- 
lays were encountered after this, so that he did not sail from 
England until February 18 ; 7 and did not arrive at New York 
until three months thereafter, 8 much to the disquietude of the 
people of Rye. 9 

Speaking of the opening of his school, Mr. Cleator said: "On 
the Second of June I was put upon School Teaching. I have now 
above Sixty Scholars, small children, Boys and Girls not above 
eight, who can say their Catechism, but they are very improving 
children." 10 About two weeks afterwards Col. Heathcote thus 
wrote of the position of the schoolmaster in the life of the town: 
"He has entered upon his School teaching & with all the success 
which can be desired, for the people being exceeding fond of him 
most willingly commit their Children to his care to be trained up 
by him according to the Discipline of our Church, which with 
the assistance of Almighty God will be established on a Lasting 
Foundation in this Parish, & besides the care of his School, which 
trust he discharges with the utmost faithfulness, when Mr. 
Muirson is absent from the town of Rye, either to the extream of 
his Parish or otherwise for ye Service of ye Church. The people 
being called together after the usual manner, he reads the Prayers 
of the Church, to them, and a Lecture Morning and Evening, 
and the people come very readily to hear him." 11 Indeed the 
people expressed their appreciation in a material way, having 
agreed to give Cleator £20, "money of the Province" and "diet 



« July 6, 1706, ibid., I, p. (30). 

i Much of the delay was, of course, due to the long waits between ships bound for 
America. But Cleator reported that storms delayed the voyage. S. P. G. Letter- 
book A, 3, p. 15. Apparently he waited about three months on the English coast 
for a 'ship to New York. Ibid., A, 3, pp. 21, 151. 

« May 18, 1707, ibid. 

» Ibid., A, 2, pp. 164, 165; A, 3, pp. 86, 137. 

io Letter of July 14, 1707, ibid., A, 3, p. 151. 

ii June 18, 1707, ibid., A, 3, p. 137. Also a letter from Rev. Muirson, Jan. 9; 
1707/8, ibid.. A, 3, p. 168. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 125 

for this year," in addition to the Society's bounty. 12 For a few 
years thereafter this allowance from the town continued. Then 
it decreased to £12 and still later to £10 per annum. 13 There is 
more or less uncertainty as to what his "diet" signified, but it is 
reasonable to suppose that he referred to an old-time practice 
of "boarding round." The practice did not continue, probably 
because he brought his family over from England. His letters 
mention his family at various times and his wife was undoubtedly 
in England during the first year or two of Cleator's teaching. 14 
In 1713, he definitely stated that he had the £12 local allowance 
only for "food, cloathes, laundry & lodging" in addition to the 
Society's support. 15 He officiated, many years at least, as 
Clerk of the Church, 16 for which the small salary of 20 shillings per 
year was allowed. 17 Once he acknowledged a special gratuity of 
£5 from the Society and also a bounty to his wife and family, 
the amount of which was not given. 18 It would be interesting to 
know how the money allowance from the parish was raised, since 
this is nowhere indicated. It must have been by means of sub- 
scription papers or tuition fees from those parents whose children 
attended the school. Certainly Cleator had no other income 
from the people than the above-mentioned allowances. 19 

Cleator for some years taught in three different places in the 
parish, giving four months time to each. 20 The towns of Rye and 
Mamaroneck were two of those places and the third, while not 
mentioned, was probably Bedford or White Plains. In 1710 
he proportioned his time between two places, 21 and in the next 
year it was agreed that he should "teach constantly near the 
Church in Rye." 22 To explain the moving school which he first 



« Ibid., A, 3, p. 151. More than a year thereafter he reported the continuance of 
this stipend. Ibid., A, 4, p. 77, Oct. 18, 1708. 

m 1712, ibid., A, 8, pp. 117, 171; 1713, Journal, II, p. 330. 

" In February 1708/9 the Society's Treasurer was ordered to pay Cleator's salary 
directly to his wife. S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (50). Prom a town minute, it is certain 
that his family was not in Rye in 1708. See the quotation in Baird, Hist, of Rye, p. 
174 (footnote). 

" S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 8, p. 171. 

is From 1711 to 1721, Rye Vestry Minutes, I, pp. 1, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17. " So 
flar Mr. Joseph Cleator performed ye office of Clerk of ye Vestry," Rye Vestry 
Minutes, I, p. 17, Feb. 28, 1720/21. 

" Ibid., I, pp. 1, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15. In a letter from the inhabitants of Rye, 
in behalf of Cleator, with 72 signatures, Sept. 22, 1717 (S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 12, 
p. 357), it was reported that he was serving as Clerk of the Church without salary. 

=« July 19, 1715, ibid., A, 10, p. 199. 

™ Ibid., A, 8, p. 171. 

J" Ibid., A, 5, p. 150; A, 4, p. 133. 

si Ibid., A, 6, p. 135. 

*"-Ibid., Sept. 6, 1711. 



126 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

adopted, he wrote: "The Inhabitants are so scatter'd that I 
teach in three Several places, 4 months at a place, so cannot have 
so great a Number at a time as If I were constantly settled in 
one place. " 23 

Cleator began his service for the Society at the age of 
53 years, 24 and continued until his death in March 1732, 25 being 
then 78 years old. During the entire time, then, he was too 
old for the work. For the first ten years his perseverance seems 
to have been commendable. Information of his lack of efficiency 
and inattention to duty began to reach the Society as early as 
1714, 26 and was repeatedly given thereafter. 27 Admonished by 
the Society on several occasions, 28 the schoolmaster excused him- 
self on the score of declining health. 29 In 1720 he reported the 
rapid loss of his sight, but pleaded his necessitous condition and 
his ability to continue the school. The S. P. G. retained him 
notwithstanding the handicap. In 1724 the Society's mis- 
sionary reported, "ye Misfortune of our Schoolmaster's blind- 
ness wch has rendered him incapable of keeping School." 30 For 
twelve years Cleator was physically unfitted to perform the 
duties of his position and the School was attended by Daniel 
Chubb, who acted as Cleator's assistant and whose remuneration 
was arranged between them. 31 

The available reports of Cleator's school date between 1707 
and 1720. During the time of the moving school his total en- 
rolment in the different places ranged from 45 to 80 in the sum- 
mer, with about half the attendance in the winter. 32 After the 
school was fixed at Rye town this irregularity was kept up. In 
the summer of 1712 only 30 are mentioned, 33 and within that 



» 1708, ibid.. A, 4, p. 77. 

** In Oct. 1717 lie passed his 63rd birthday. Ibid., A, 12, p. 352. 

« S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 54. 

26 "I have persuaded Mr. Cleator to a closer attendance and better order about his 
School and hope he will be more serviceable in his place. " From the Society's mis- 
sionary at Rye, Oct. 4, 1714, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, No. 39, p. 164. 

" Ibid., A, 12, pp. 424, 431; A, 13, pp. 337. 345, 433; A, 12, p. 352. Journal, III, 
pp. 402, 405. 

as Ibid., A, 12, pp. 424, 353; A, 13, pp. 431, 433. 

M "I can perform my part in ye School as well as ever except in ye Night; my sight 
being weakened by loss of my right Eye makes me write crooked." Ibid., A, 14, 
p. 109, Jan. 12, 1719/20. 

s° Ibid., A, 18, p. 191. 

si Petition of Daniel Chubb to Society, June 15, 1733, ibid., B, 1, p. 26. From this 

Setition it might be inferred that Cleator retained the S. P. G. salary, and Chubb 
ad the benefit of whatever money was raised in Rye. 

5J Ibid.. A, 3, p. 151; A, 4, pp. 77, 133; A, 5, pp. 10, 150, 151; Journal, II, p. 124. 
53 June 9, 1712, S. P. G. Journal, II, p. 242. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 127 

same year two other enrolments are given of 43 and 49, respect- 
ively, 34 giving an average attendance of 41. For the years of 
1714 to 1720, there are eleven reports which show an average 
attendance of 51. 35 The children were young and capable only 
of very elementary education. 36 By the age of thirteen they 
left the school to engage, it would seem, in work for their parents. 
Not once is any reference made by Cleator as to apprenticing to 
trades, but it may be assumed that the practice was not unknown 
in Rye. In 1712 and 1714 the girls slightly outnumbered the 
boys, 37 while from 1715 to 1719 they amounted to about one- 
third of the class rolls. 38 The following is a copy of one of the 
first lists sent by Cleator: 39 

"Thorns & Eliza Bridge Children of Mr. Bridge 2 
Ann daughter of Jonathan Hart 1 

Jno Joseph Elisha Underhill & Hannah Budd, 

children of Captain Bud 5 

Henry & Mary Children of Widow Straing 2 

Josias Son of Francis Lecount 1 

Isaac Samuel Hannah & Mary Children of John 

Lownsbury 4 

David & Joseph Sons of Joseph Ogden 2 

Martha Daughter of David Ogden 1 

Phebe & Ann Daughters of Joseph Lyons 2 

Susannah & Gertrude Daughtrs of Jos. Purdy 2 
Hannah Daughter of Joseph Banks 1 

Wm. Son of Sam 1 Kniffin 1 

Hannah Daughter of John Merrit 1 

Ebenezer Eliza ffrancis & Sarah children of 

ffrancis Purdy 4 

Jon a Benjamin Ann Elizabeth & Sarah Chil- 
dren of Jonathan Kniffin 5 
Joseph & Jemina Child, of Rob*. Bloomer 2 
Peter Son of Peter Clapham 1 
Jonathan Son of John Haight 1 
Charles Sarah & Susannah Children of Ebenezer 

Theal 3 

Jonath n & Ann Children of Ebenezer Kniphin 2 
Mary Daughter of Hathaliah Brown 1 

Eunice Daughter of Deliverance Brown 1 

Dan 1 Son of Dan 1 Strainge 1 

Phebe & Hannah Daughters of Andrew Coo. 2 
Susannah Travise Daughter of Philip Travise 1 " 



m S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 8, pp. 114, 117, 120, 168. 

" Ibid., A, 9, p. 137; A, 10, pp. 169, 199; A, 11, pp. 305, 337; A, 12, pp. 353. 380; 
A, 13, pp. 339, 470; A, 14, p. 114; Journal, III, pp. 289, 303. 

»» The children of his first class were not above eight years of age. At various timea 
he stated that they were mostly small children. In 1717 none was above twelve and 
in 1718 the oldest was not thirteen. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 3, p. 151; A, 8, p. 114; 
A. 13, p. 339; Journal, III, p. 289. 

" S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 8, p. 114; A, 9, p. 137. 

" See citations under average attendance. 

« Nov. 4, 1712, ibid.. A, 8, p. 114. 



128 



The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 



The lists were nearly always in the form shown above. The 
one sent in October, 1717 varied from the others by including 
a full year's enrolment and by having the children grouped by 
sexes and according to their ability to recite the Catechism. It 
is shown below: 

"Boys who can Perfectly say and answer the whole Catechism. 



Joseph Piordy 
Jonathan Palding 
Jonathan Ogden 
Daniel Ogden 
Caleb Brundige 
John Brundige 
Nathan Kniffin 
Delivarance Brown 
Solomn Purdy 
Edmond Weeks 
Joseph Bloomer 
21. 
'Boys who cannot answer to the whole Catechism. 

Joseph Haight Nathan Purdy 

Charles Haight Caleb Haight 

Roger Parke Jonathan Horton 

Thomas Kniffin John Bloomer 

Jeremy Lownsbury Gilbert Bloomer 



Mr. Christopher Bridge 
Jonathan Haight 
Charles Theal 
Joseph Theal 
Elisha Budd 
Underhill Budd 
Samuel Height 
William Height 
Isaac Lownsbury 
Samuel Lownsbury 



Stephen Williams 
Daniel Williams 
Joseph Bancks 
Nathaniel Merritt 
Jonathan Lyon 
Andrew Kniffin 
James Purdy 
Munmoth Purdy 



Ebenezer Brown 
Joseph Green 
Isaac Anderson 
Jeremy Anderson 
John Merritt 
Ebenezer Kniffin 
Ebenezer Purdy 
Joseph Lyon 
Joseph Anderson 
27. 
"Girls who can perfectly Answer to the whole Catechism. 
Mrs. Elizabeth Bridge Phebe Lyon 

Mary Haight Anne Lyon 

Susanna Theal Phebe Kniffin 

Elizabeth Robinson Hannah Bancks 

Hannah Coo Mary Brown 

Sarah Ogden Marty Brown 

Sarah Brundige Ruth Merritt 

Martha Purdy. 
15. 
"Girls who cannot answer The whole Catechism. 



Sarah Lyon 
Amy Lyon 
Susanna Purdy 
Gertrude Purdy 
Martha Brown 



Whole Number 



Abigail Banks 
Mary Anderson 
Ruth Purdy 
Sarah Kniffin 
Mary Steen Rod 
Mary Banks. 
11. 

74. "*> 



"List of children from Sept. 1716 to Oct. 14, 1717, ibid., A, 12, p. 353. "Mr. 
Christopher Bridge" is intended for Christopher Bridge, Jr., son of the S. P. G. 
Minister of Rye. The writer has been told that such usage was customary in Eng- 
land, and is even now to be found, with reference to the children of the clergy. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 129 

Mr. Cleator found his own schoolhouse, as appears from two 
of his reports in 1713 and 1714. 41 This probably held true in the 
years of the moving school as well, though the owners of private 
houses may have been very willing to grant the use of rooms in 
lieu of his own accommodation to the children. In 1711 he brought 
his school nearer the church as a constant centre, and in 1713 he 
purchased a house both for a residence and for this purpose, 42 
making use of it until 1716. He then moved the school two 
miles from his place of residence where he could have a great 
number of small children. 43 In 1718 again Cleator brought his 
school very near the Church and purchased a small house as a 
permanent location for it. In this move he had some assistance 
from the parish, in addition to his salary. The school thus 
located became permanently fixed for the remaining years dur- 
ing which Cleator had charge of it, 44 and so continued under his 
successors with but a slight break. There were other schools in 
the parish during Cleator's time, some of which it may be pre- 
sumed were in the town. In 1728 Rev. Mr. Wetmore wrote the 
Secretary: 

" As to Schools for teaching Children there are several poor ones 
in the differ* parts of the Parish, while Mr. Cleator had his sight 
they tell me he kept a constant and good School, but now where 
a number of f families live near together they hire a man or Woman 
at a Cheap rate subscribing every one w* they will allow, some 
Masters get £20 per an m & their Dyett, some £12 but there is 
no publick provision at all for a School in this Parish." 45 

Mr. Cleator first appealed for books in 1709, the lack of which 
he set forth as follows: "Books are very much wanted; if your 
Honours would be pleased to bestow 3 or 4 dozen on me would do 
me a great Kindness, primers, psalters, Testaments, Bibles, & 
Catechism, for here hath not these six months been either Testa- 
ment or Bible to be got at N. York." 46 The S. P. G. immedi- 



« S. P. G. Journal, II, p. 330; III, p. 6. 

« Ibid., II, p. 330. 

« Apr. 16, 1716, ibid.. Ill, p. 218. 

« "I have had more Constant Schollars this year than I have formerly given an 
account of, being I now teach near the Church, and in a small house I Purchased by 
their Honors Assistance (over and above my salary). I think I shall be removed no 
more this being for several reasons the most Convenient proper place in the Parish. " 
Cleator to the Secretary, April 29, 1718, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 372. The 
writer was not able to And any other data concerning the details of this aid. Baird 
(Hist, of Rye Parish, op. cit., p. 176) says the schoolhouse was first mentioned in 
1738. The Rye Vestryoccasionally used the Schoolhouse for a meeting place. Rye 
Vestry Minutes I, pp. 13, 14, 16. 

« Feb. 29, 1727/8, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 20, p. 207. 

« Ibid., A, 5, p. 10. 



130 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

ately "directed the Treasurer to send over to Mr. Cleator the 
Schoolmaster at Rye by the first opportunity 200 primers, 50 
psalters, 200 Church Catechism, 30 Common Prayer Books, 40 
Testaments, and 20 Bibles for the use of his School." 47 In 1712 
the schoolmaster reported that he was furnishing the children 
with books as they had need of them. He also desired Testa- 
ments, Psalters and Spelling books to be sent, since such were 
to be had only at great prices, 48 and suggested that he might have 
the advantage of selling them. 49 Such sales were against the 
orders of the Society, as he well knew, 50 but notwithstanding he 
may have taken advantage of the occasional opportunities to 
increase his income in this manner. Books were ordered out to 
Cleator in 1712, 1714, 1717, and 1718. 61 Besides the different 
kinds given above the Society in 1714 sent out two dozen horn- 
books for the use of the smaller children. 52 Two other packets 
were sent in 1724 and 1725 at the solicitation of the S. P. G. 
missionary. 53 

Cleator was succeeded in the school by Samuel Purdy, who 
had been recommended to the Society by the missionary at 
Rye. 54 The affair was a grievous disappointment to Daniel 
Chubb, the assistant to Cleator, 55 whose long years of service 
had been given in the hope of being appointed to the place. 
Purdy was allowed the previous salary of £15 per annum. 55 
When appointed, he was holding some public posts which were 
not remunerative. Referring to them, Rev. Mr. Wetmore, the 
missionary, said: "Purdy is the foremost Justice of the Peace & 
one of the Quorum, & a chaplain of the Militia, but these places 
being such as rather require than make a fortune, he will accept 
a Mission from Soc, & the greater his interest in the people's 
esteem & affections he will the better be able to promote re- 
ligion & Church, for which he has always had a good af- 
fection." 57 Later he was made one of the Judges of the Common 



«' S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (203). 
« S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 8, p. 114. 
«» Ibid. 

to Ibid., A, 7, p. 201. 

si Ibid., A, 7, p. 201; A, 9, p. 225; A, 12, p. 427; A, 13, p. 433; Journal, III, pp. 6, 
289, 402. 

62 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 225. 

63 s. P. G. Journal, IV, p. 314; V, p. 83. 
s* S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 24, p. 200. 

66 Petition of Chubb to the S. P. G. June 15, 1733, ibid., B, 1, p. 26. 
66 S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 54, Dec. 15, 1732. 
« S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 24, p. 200. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 131 

Pleas and so served until 1737. A political upheaval in the town 
then displaced Purdy and he was left with the position of Town 
Clerk, the business of which was but small and the profits incon- 
siderable. 58 The office of Town Clerk he held for the years 1745 
to 1753. 59 Furthermore, he had occasional work at surveying,, 
and, at such times, employed an usher in his school. The sur- 
veying was said to be worth about £6 per annum, besides paying 
the usher. The people of Rye gave him about £20 yearly, in 
tuition fees. 60 As far as can be ascertained, therefore, Purdy 
relied on a better income than his predecessor. 61 

Mr. Purdy's first report gave a total enrolment of 44 for the 
year with "about 34 attending at one time." 62 Such irregular 
reports as succeed this show a smaller school than Cleator had, 
save in 1741 when there were 51 pupils, 63 and in 1751 when the 
number was as high as 50 again. 64 Within the decade Purdy 
reported 32 in 1744, 29 in 1746, 27 in 1747, 37 in 1748, and 42 
in 1749. 66 There were two reasons for the decline in attendance. 
One was as follows, to quote from Purdy's report: "Such Chil- 
dren as grow up to be capable of Labor, their Parents will not 
afford time for further Instruction but take them away to busi- 
ness." 66 The other reason was the dissenters' growing objec- 
tion to the teaching of the Church catechism in the school. 
Cleator had not been rigidly insistent on this, much to the an- 
noyance of the S. P. G. missionary. 67 Purdy from the begin- 
ning was zealous in his attention to this particular, 68 and he con- 
tinued to adhere to it. Children of dissenting parents were 
withdrawn from his school on account of it, and Independent 
teachers were encouraged to set up opposing schools. In 1746 



m S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 4. But Baird claims he was Justice of the Peace for 
more than thirty years, op. cit., p. 175. 

"Rye Vestry Minutes, I, pp. 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 117, 120, 122. Purdy 
held also the honorary office of Churchwarden. Bolton, op. cit., pp. 224, 233. 

»o Said Wetmore in 1738: "His Employers, some of whom are very poor, scarce 
pay him £20. " S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 4. The few times that Purdy speaks of 
this allowance he states the same amount. In 1751 Purdy mentions "the per- 
quisites of the Scholars that are able to pay." S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 19, p. 79. 

81 This income was sufficient to maintain Purdy and his family, consisting of a wife 
and two children, and to enable him to employ a servant. Ibid. 

«» Dec. 5, 1735, S. P. G. Journal, VII, p. 39. 

« S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 9, p. 76. 

«* Ibid., B, 19, p. 79. 

« Ibid., B, 13, p. 268; B, 14, p. 115; B, 15, p. 116; B, 16, p. 69; B, 17, p. 111. 

«« Ibid., B, 7, p. 145, July 16, 1738. 

" Ibid., A, 12, p. 345; Journal, III, p. 405. While Cleator did not distinguish be- 
tween children of the Church and of dissenters the inference is a fair one that both 
attended his School on about equal terms and in equal proportion. 

«» S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 24, p. 470. 



132 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

and 1747 only seven dissenting children were reported. 69 In 
1738 there were no schools within two miles of Purdy, 70 but in 
the following year a Presbyterian schoolmistress was established 
within one mile. 71 She was not able to maintain herself and soon 
gave up, but in 1741 a schoolmaster and schoolmistress both at- 
tempted schools for a time; 72 while in 1747 two were again under 
way, both of which were brought within a half mile of the So- 
ciety's school. 73 Not until the failure of these last attempts do 
we find the scholars coming back to Purdy. 74 The number of 
children that were given free tuition cannot be ascertained, but 
it is certain that some were thus privileged. On one occasion 
only did Purd}^, iD such reports as are to be had, refer to the poor 
children. He then stated that such as were poor were taught 
gratis. 75 

The location of the school remained as it had been fixed by 
Cleator, that is, near the Church in the house built for that pur- 
pose. 76 In 1749, Purdy wrote the Society that the dissenters 
had lately given him much trouble and opposition, on account 
of which he had agreed to move his school some three miles 
from the Church. 77 The agreement, it appears, was not carried 
out, because the opposition subsided. 78 

Whether Purdy's succession to the school led to any marked 
improvement is debatable. He was inexperienced as a teacher. 
In thanking the Society for his appointment, he expressed the 
wish that he might be better qualified for the work, and especi- 
ally for writing, which was his particular weakness. But with 
"such preparation as he had" he was "ready to teach the cate- 
chism and such other learning as he had, and to practice as much 
reading and writing and arithmetic as might serve the common 
occasions of vulgar people." 79 Yet his outside interest made 
him neglect the school. He was frequently absent, employing 



«» Ibid., B, 14, p. 115; B, 15, p. 116. 

'o S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 4. 

« S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 147. 

" Ibid., B, 13, p. 268. 

" Ibid., B, 15, p. 116. 

7 < In 1741 the proportion of the two groups of children was as 27 to 22; in 1746, 
it was as 22 to 7; in 1751 it was as 30 to 20. Ibid., B, 9, p. 76; B, 14, p. 115; B, 19, 
p. 79. 

" Dec. 10, 1751, ibid., B, 19, p. 79. 

™ S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 4. 

« S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 17, p. 111. 

" Report of 1751, ibid., B, 19, p. 79. 

" Aug. 29. 1733, ibid.. A, 24, p. 470. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 133 

on such occasions, as he afterwards declared, "at a considerable 
Charge such masters as are more capable." 80 Some of the dis- 
senters' opposition may have been caused by his irregularity in 
this respect. In the later years of his service he constantly 
maintained an assistant at his house, as the following indicates: 
"When the Independent in the Neighbourhood, (having got a 
teacher of their Sort among them) began to undermine my 
School and set up another in opposition, I took a Gentleman into 
my house better qualified than myself, whom I imployed under 
my care and direction, for several years, visiting the School and 
assisting myself as there was occation; and finding this method 
Satisfactory to the better people, I still Continue to Imploy a 
Gentleman well qualified, whom in a Good measure I maintain 
myse!f and a ] low him to Receive the perquisites by the Scholars 
that are able to pay; (Such as are poor, being taught gratise) 
I am at hand to observe the Master's Diligence and Childrens' 
Improvements, & do all I can to incourage both, and assist my 
Self as there is occation." 81 The gentleman here spoken of, we 
learn in an earlier report, was "a young Schollar Educated at 
New Haven." 82 He was, very likely, William Sturgeon, son of 
a Presbyterian minister, who had just graduated Bachelor of 
Arts from Yale and had become "an hearty Proselyte to the 
Church." 83 In 1746, or even earlier, Sturgeon had undertaken 
a school in the precinct of the town of Rye, it was reported. 84 
This must have been Purdy's school according to his Notitiae. 
Until Purdy determined on the constant employment of an 
assistant his school was undoubtedly neglected in favor of other 
affairs, in spite of the commendations given him by the rector of 
the parish. Reports from the neighboring parish spoke of his 
miserable neglect. 85 That he saw fit to improve conditions in 
the last eight or ten years was due, perhaps, to the competition 
of the dissenters which threatened his school, more than to any- 
thing else. 



so Ibid., B, 15, p. 116. 

« Purdy to the Sec, Dec. 10, 1751, ibid., B, 19. p. 79. 

s» Dec. 30, 1747, ibid., B, 16, p. 116. 

8» S P G Journal, X, p. 168, notes from a recommendation of William Sturgeon 
by the missionary at Rye, April 3, 1746. Sturgeon afterwards became the S. P. G. 
catechist at Philadelphia. 

s< Ibid. Bolton, op. cit., p. 351, lists Sturgeon as one of the S. P. G. schoolmasters, 
which can be true only in the sense of an assistant to Purdy. For this he had no al- 
lowance from the Society. 

as Rev. Thos. Standard to Sec, Westchester March 18, 1742, S. P. G. Journal, IX, 
p. 132. 



134 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

One packet of 100 catechisms was sent out for the school and 
for distribution in 1740. 86 This was in response to a request of 
the parish missionary and not of the schoolmaster. 87 

Mr. Purdy's death on the 4th of March 1753 88 caused another 
vacancy in the school. The earlier opposition to him had ap- 
parently ceased and he died greatly esteemed by the commu- 
nity, according to the rector, Rev. Mr. Wetmore, who wrote: 
"His body was attended to Church on Ash Wednesday by a great 
concourse of people of all persuasions." 89 Upon receipt of the 
announcement, the Secretary of the Society sent the following 
condolence to Wetmore: "I heartily condole with you on the 
death of Mr. Purdy the Society's worthy Schoolmaster, & if 
you find the poor widow & Children in such circumstances as 
to require it, I will endeavour upon her Petition supported by 
your Recommendation to obtain for her a Gratuity of ten pounds 
from the Society." 90 In a letter of December 4, 1753, Mr. Wet- 
more urged the prompt filling of the vacancy. Furthermore, we 
learn in the following quotation from the proceedings of the S. 
P. G.: "He recommends his son Timothy Wetmore, a youth of 
19 years, prudent temper, sober & virtuous & with a sufficient 
stock of learning, he having trained him up himself, & led him 
through most of the Latin Classics, & given him some instruc- 
tion in Greek & Mathematicks, History, Logic, & Ethics, in 
wh., as he improves himself, he hopes he may hereafter become 
qualified for some higher employments; and Mr. W. will do his 
utmost to make his son a worthy Schoolmr there." 91 Acting on 
the recommendation the S. P. G. elected the youth, Timothy 
Wetmore, the successor of Mr. Purdy at the reduced salary of 
£10 a year, the same to date from March 25, 1754. 92 Young 
Wetmore may have taken up his duties immediately upon Pur- 
dy's death for the value of such perquisites as the community 
afforded. Unfortunately we have no records from him until 
1757, so that this is uncertain. Regarding tuition he wrote 



86 Ibid., VIII, p. 184. 

8' No evidence could be found concerning the sending of other books or of a request 
for any by Purdy. 

as Ibid., XII, p. 269. 

ss Ibid. 

9° S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 20, p. 37, Aug. 1, 1753. The Society voted a gratuity 
of £5 instead, Journal, XII, p. 270. 

8i Ibid., XII, p. 359. 

9J May 17, 1754, ibid. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 135 

that "the Reward that way was but small," even when the at- 
tendance was high. 93 

The statistics of Wetmore's school are found in eight of his 
Notitiae between 1755 and 1765. In these years his pupils 
numbered from 34 to 63, the average being about 46. 94 Fully 
half of these were the children of parents not affiliated with the 
Church of England. Indeed in 1762 there were 24 belonging to 
the Church and 38 from the dissenters, the odd one being a 
Negro. In 1763, 1764 and 1765 also the latter considerably out- 
numbered the former. 95 The reason for the large proportion 
of non-Church children is perhaps explained in the same reports 
from the schoolmaster, since in the case of five of them it was 
claimed that there were no other schools within two miles of the 
S. P. G. school. 96 

Wetmore's school continued in the quarters which had been 
previously provided until about the end of 1765. Then he trans- 
ferred his pupils to a room in his own house. The reason for 
this will appear shortly. 97 A few years after Wetmore undertook 
the work he adopted the precedent of his predecessors and en- 
gaged an assistant, who gave entire attention to the school and 
left him virtually in the position of an overseer. He wrote in 
1761 as follows: "I think my Father sometime before his De- 
cease desired the Salary might be fixed upon my Brother James 
Wetmore but as we have had no advice of his appointment it 
seems to me to be proper that I shou'd draw. If the Society 
have not yet made the Alteration if they shall think proper, if it 
remains as it is it will equally be Satisfactory to my Brother. 
My Brother has hitherto attended the School to good satisfac- 
tion, & I hope will continue faithfully to discharge his Trust." 98 
Since the Society did not transfer the appointment to the brother, 
Timothy Wetmore's status remained the same as Purdy's had 
been. In the following year he wrote: "I herein inclose my 
Notitia Scholastica & beg this may serve as proper advice. My 



" S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 216a; Wetmore served as clerk of the Church for 
one year only, 1762, and was allowed one pound therefor. Rye Vestry Minutes, 
I, p. 147. 

»« 34 in 1775, 40 in 1757, 38 in 1578, 53 in 1761, 63 in 1762, 47 in 1763, 51 in 1764, 
and 42 in 1765. S. P. G. Journal, XIII, pp. 139, 284; XV, p. 95. Letter-book, B, 
3, pp. 216 a, 217, 222, 224, 227. 

86 See citations immediately above for the years given. 

»« IMd., B, 3, pp. 216 a, 217, 222, 224, 227. 

" See the quotations from his letter given on the two following pages. 

»8 May 6, 1761, ibid., B, 3, p. 215. 



136 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

brother James Wetmore has the Year past tended the School, 
I hope faithfully & will continue so to do. I allow him the 
Salary in full & wish on his Account that it was larger. His 
family is large having Seven Children & living at this Time un- 
commonly expensive." 99 James Wetmore acted as school- 
master assistant to his brother until 1764. For the next two 
years the school was put under the care of George Harris, "an 
European who gives good satisfaction" according to Wetmore's 
Notitia. 100 In 1766 the Society received complaints from 
one of its agents in New York City 101 to the effect that 
the school was badly neglected, and resolved that the salary 
should be withdrawn unless good satisfaction could be made. 102 
The charge was confirmed by the new missionary to Rye, Rev. 
Ephraim Avery, and thereupon the Wetmores were discharged 
on January 7, 1767. 103 Timothy Wetmore wrote the Society 
at length in justification of himself and brother. His letter 
gives us the fact of the reestablishment of a dissenters' school 
and the consequent dwindling of his own. The account of it, 
together with his defense, is thus related by him: "I beg leave 
to justify myself as far as Truth will permit. I therefore assert 
that when I have kept the School never was the School more 
faithfully attended nor never was there any Scholars in Rye 
better taught. I am also bold to affirm that in the annual Let- 
ters I have sent to the Secretary I have endeavoured to represent 
the State of the School with strict Truth. I have in them in- 
formed that about three Years ago the School was kept by my 
Brother & notwithstanding his utmost Endeavours to please the 
people Yet the school being surrounded by Presbyterians & 
hereditary Enemies of our Family (for no other Reason that I 
know of but because we wou'd not be Tools to ruinous Measures 
to Church & State) they agreed with a Master to set up another 
School — I then went into the School myself — but they had been 
about privately & by Misrepresentations got the people to Sign 
to this Master so that my School was so small that it wou'd not 
support my Family. I therefore & to prevent a mischievous 
Division which I had seen the bad Effects of in Mr. Purdy's 



»» May 25, 1762, ibid., B, 3, p. 216a. 

mo Apr., 4, 1764, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 224. 

mi Samuel Auchmuty to Sec, Oct. 24, 1766, ibid., B, 2, p. 19. 

io! S. P. G. Journal, XVII, p. 199. 

io» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 232. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 137 

Time — thot it best (in which I took Advice of such as I tho't 
most proper) to agree with the School Master to come into my 
School which he promised to resign to me at the End of the 
Year & all the Scholars. But at the End of the Year he insisted 
that as the Stamp Act prevented him from collecting his Debts 
that if I turned him out of the School he wou'd set up another, 
I therefore tho't it most adviseable to let him remain, as he was 
remarkably industrious — But I have kept from that Time a 
School in a convenient Chamber in my own House which was 
handy to another Quarter of the Town & though I did not get 
so many Scholars as I expected yet I have generally taught 7 
or 8 for which I have never reed 20s nor do expect to — besides 
several others & some Latin Scholars — this School I continued 
as low down as I have drawn to; this was the best I cou'd do & 
I believe was better than to have gone into the School & thereby 
in all probability occasioned another School House to be built 
which wou'd have made such a Division as wou'd have spoiled 
the School. From this Representation it appears that I have 
not entirely neglected the School; so far from it that I have 
earned the money I have reccfa ; My Crime has been going out of 
the School House into my own Chamber which I am certain the 
Society if they had been on the Spot wou'd have advised to — 
I have also a good Right to call the other School mine — he en- 
tered by Agreement with me & has kept it faithfully & of this 
I have truly informed the Society — to employ School masters 
is usual." 104 Wetmore's conduct had the appearance of imposi- 
tion on the Society. His school of seven or eight appears to have 
been more in the nature of a plausible continuation of his claim 
to the £10 salary, and his peculiar reasoning that the dissenting 
schoolmaster stood in the relation of Usher to him was for the 
same purpose. Indeed the George Harris mentioned in Wet- 
more's Notitia was perhaps this same Independent schoolmaster. 
During the services of the Wetmore brothers, at least one 
packet of books was sent. 105 It consisted of one hundred cate- 
chisms and a quantity of prayer books and doctrinal tracts. 
Both Timothy and James Wetmore reentered the Society's 



im Wetmore to the Sec, July 7, 1767, ibid. There is nothing further to show that 
he had "truly informed the Society." Baird quotes from New York Revolutionary 
Papers, p. 159, in confirmation of the hatred of Timothy Wetmore, "that arch-tory 
or enemy of his country." Baird, op. cit., pp. 159, 177. 

"6 Dec. 17, 1762, S. P. G. Journal, XV, p. 292. 



138 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

service as schoolmasters. The former took up the practice of 
law in New York City until the war made it no longer remuner- 
ative to continue therein. 106 James Wetmore, on the other hand, 
probably continued as a private teacher for a few years, and was 
reappointed to Rye. 

The school was vacant for nearly a year. 107 The Society mean- 
time desired Mr. Avery the missionary to appoint a school- 
master. 108 He suggested that the missionary be made school- 
master as well and set forth his reason for it, saying "with humble 
submission to the venerable Society, beg leave to ask, whether 
it would be disagreeable to them that I should be appointed 
their School-Master (not that I would go into the School myself, 
neither could I because my publick Administration and Parish 
Duties are quite as much as I can manage). But my view in this 
Request is, in order to prevent the Society a great Deal 
of Trouble, on account of the frequent change of Masters which 
will undoubtedly be the Case, because the Income of the School 
will be so small, that no good Teacher would willingly continue 
long in it, especially if better Business presented." 109 The So- 
ciety objected, however, to a combination of the two duties. 110 
Avery was correct as to the uncertainty of schoolmasters. His 
first appointee remained in the school but one quarter. 111 
"Another," said Avery, "in two days succeeded him, who con- 
tinued likewise but one Quarter." 112 The name of the first man 
was not given, but of the second Avery said: "the Person was 
my Brother, a Man of a liberal Education but he has now left 
the School, & taken to Merchandizing: another Man upon his 
Removal immediately took charge of the School, how long he 
will continue I am not able to say, but conclude not long." 113 
He did, however, continue longer than the two before him, so 
that Avery could write, in the spring of 1769, "a third 
took Charge of the School and as yet continues in it, tho' am 
afraid will not tarry long. Him I would now take the liberty 



N>6 In 1776 Wetmore advertized a "Day and Night School" to be kept by himself. 
See New York Gazette and Mercury, Dec. 30, 1776. 

"» Prom about Sept. 1767 to May 1768. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 233, 234. 

los S. P. G. Journal, XVII, p. 427. 

io» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 234. 

no S. P. G. Journal, XVIII. p. 66. 

"i Avery to Sec, May 2, 1769, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 235. 

i 12 Ibid. This teacher began May 1, 1768, ibid., p. 234. The Rector later men- 
tions the time more definitely as, " about half a year, " ibid., p. 238. 

us Ibid. John Avery was the brother referred to. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 139 

to recommend to the Venerable Society as their School-master; 
his Name is John Rand; was educated at Cambridge College 
New England, a sober, pious man & proposes shortly to take 
Holy Orders." 114 John Rand was accordingly appointed the 
S. P. G. schoolmaster at Rye on July 21, 1769, 115 with the usual 
£10 per annum; but by this time he had left the school. From 
Mr. Avery we learn that Rand was succeeded by John Avery. 
He thus reported the fourth change: "Mr. Rand immediately 
succeeded him" (Avery's brother) "& remain'd in the School 
till July 1769, when my brother, not prospering in his Views re- 
turn'd & again took charge of it. The only Reason why Mr. 
Rand quited the School, was the People's not being pleased with 
his Method in teaching their Children." 116 Two years after 
this time John Avery quitted the school a second time and moved 
to Long Island. 117 Rev. Mr. Avery thereupon recommended 
that James Wetmore be returned to the school and his appoint- 
ment was confirmed by the Society July 19, 1771. 118 The school 
was continued under his teaching until October 1776, when the 
belligerent state of the country about Rye brought it to a per- 
manent end. On January 10, 1777 Wetmore wrote the Society 
as follows: "I beg leave to inform the Venbie Society that I 
diligently taught the school in Rye until the 23rd day of Octbr 
last. For more than a year before the 23rd of Octbr I was lookt 
upon as a Friend of Government & had Reason to expect con- 
tinually to be made a Prisoner; I thought myself then under an 
absolute necessity of escaping, being detected in assisting a 
Number of Persons in escaping from the Rebels to the Kings 
Troops — I have one son carried 200 miles from me & closely con- 
fined for his Loyalty; part of the time in Irons. I have another 
son engaged in his Majesties Service. I have another son, two 
young for the Service with me. My wife and 6 children are in 
the power of the Rebels." 119 From 1777 to 1779 he continued 
to teach on Long Island with a fair degree of regularity. 
Between then and 1783 he was maintained on the salary list of 



i" Ibid., p. 235. 

>" s. P. G. Journal. XVIII, p. 156. 

»6 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 238. 

u' About May 1, 1771, ibid., p. 239; the letter giving the information is incorrectly 
dated 1770. That it is an error is made certain by the fact that the context stated 
that salary had been drawn for two years last past as schoolmaster. Besides the 
Minute in the Journal makes certain that the date should be 1771. 

"8 S. P. G. Journal, XIX, p. 74. 

»» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 248. 



140 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

the Society, but he rendered less than a year of service, 120 and in 
1783 he was formally dropped. 121 

Between 1767 and 1777 the Society did not receive full reports 
called for by the Notitia. In fact no Notitiae for this period are 
to be found. For the three last years only do we know what 
the school enrolment was, namely 56 in 1775, 71 in 1776, and 
"upwards of 60" in 1777. m But the number of children who 
enjoyed free schooling was reported for nearly every year. From 
10 to 16 pupils were taught on the bounty of the Society during 
almost the entire period. 123 In 1775 Wetmore reported that of 
his 56 enrolled, he was receiving no pay for 34. 124 In 1768 we 
have the first definite information as to the actual number of 
charity children in the Rye school. Rev. Mr. Avery then stated 
in one of his reports to London, "there are now in the School 
eleven Charity Children, which number I propose to continue 
because the Bounty will just defray the Expense of so many at 
the Rate that the Master teaches other children." 125 The 
bounty being £10, the tuition was therefore in the neighborhood 
of 18 shillings per annum. 126 

The school was kept in the old schoolhouse, which in 1770 
Mr. Avery had repaired, "being out of Pocket 3 or 4£" thereby. 127 
The dissenter to whom Timothy Wetmore had granted the use 
of the schoolhouse probably found quarters elsewhere and con- 
tinued his work. Such a school, at any rate, was mentioned 
by James Wetmore in 1775. "There is but one School in the 
Town, " he said, "kept by a Dissenter from Ireland that has here- 
tofore drew many of the Children of those that are able to pay, 
but at present is upon the decline." 128 

Thus far we have traced the history of the school originally 
set up by Cleator and serving the town of Rye primarily. But 



"o S. P. G. Journal, XXIII, p. 95. 

121 Feb. 21, 1783. "Mr. James Wetmore not having kept school from 1779 to 
present time, Salary discontinued." Ibid., XXIII, p. 51. 

122 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 244, 246, 248. 

us Ibid., B, 3, pp. 234, 235, 230, 238, 239, 240, 241, 243. 
i2« Ibid., B, 3, p. 244. 
126 Ibid., B, 3, p. 234. 

126 On this basis Wetmore's 22 paying scholars which he gave in the 1775 report 
brought him nearly £20 a year in addition to his fixed salary. 
12? Ibid., B, 3, p. 238. 

123 Ibid., B, 3, p. 244. The teacher was doubtless George Harris, the European 
assistant to Timothy Wetmore. See p. 136. This Harris is mentioned in the Ab- 
stracts of the S. P. G. as having kept a private school opposite the Church at Rye, for 
many years. In the same record he is the reputed murderer of Rev. Mr. Avery, 
the missionary. See Abstracts for Feb. 1776-1777. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 141 

the S. P. G. was instrumental in the establishment of other 
schools in this parish. After Cleator gave up his moving school, 
the Society's missionary, Rev. Mr. Bridge, urged his superiors 
to allow bounties for two places remote from the Church. It 
was agreed to allow one bounty of £5 per annum towards the 
schoolmaster desired, with the provision that he should "teach 
Catechism Liturgy, & Certify that he teaches 30 children." 129 
More than a year ensued before a satisfactory schoolmaster 
could be found. In March 1714/5 Bridge appointed Richard 
Cudney, who set up a school at White Plains and taught for 18 
months. 130 His enrolment was "about 30 scholars." 131 Though 
most faithful in the discharge of his duty "he was forced to de- 
sist for want of necessary encouragement," having little or no 
help from the people. The Society voted £7-10 for the period 
of his teaching but did not see fit to make further provision for 
him. 132 In 1729, Rev. James Wetmore requested the Society 
to establish a school at North Castle. Concerning this place he 
said: "My Congregation is considerably increased at North 
Castle, a new Settlement in the woods where I go to officiate 
every fifth Sunday. The Dissenters there are all Quakers, and 
I have thought if we had a good Schoolmaster there, it might be 
of great Service to Religion, in some sort to supply the place of 
a Resident Minister, in Catechising and instructing the Youth 
and keeping the People from running Wild in their Principles 
and practice, as they are in great danger of doing by being among 
so many Quaker Seducers and men of no Religion." 133 His 
next letter represented that the "chief people" at North Castle 
had urged him to petition the Society for a schoolmaster to 
teach the children and to "read the Ch. prayers & holy Script- 
ures & good books on Sundays, & thus keep them from faith- 
lessness." "They have no subscriptions at present," he con- 
tinued, "but are confident that they will be able to raise full 
£20 p.a. for a Schoolmaster." 134 For this position Wetmore 
recommended an ex-schoolmaster among the dissenters, named 



i» Oct. 10, 1712, S. P. G. Journal, II, p. 242. 

«o Ibid., Ill, pp. 198, 293. This was six miles from the Church. 

m Ibid. 

1,2 Ibid. Failing in this, Bridge persuaded two women "that were in want," to 
teach school, one of them at White Plains. They also had, he said, "very mean 
encouragement from the People, " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 12, p. 372. 

»»« July 21, 1729, ibid., A, 22, p. 342. 

»»« Nov. 5, 1729, ibid., B, 1, p. 51. 



142 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Flint Dwight, in whose behalf it was stated: "He has had a 
liberal education at Cambridge in New England, & got his B.A. 
about 4 years ago. He is of a sober & exemplary life, & lately 
came over to the Church, & is willing to serve religion for a suit- 
able encouragement and to accept of a Catechetical office, till he 
have opportunity to furnish himself for further service." 135 The 
S. P. G. decided to grant Dwight an annual allowance of £10 
dating from midsummer 1729 "on condition that the people 
contribute £20 yearly according to their promise." 136 The 
clerkship of the church at Rye was also given Dwight, and with 
it an extra 20 shillings per year. 137 

The obstacles in the way of Dwight's success at North Castle 
were set forth in his letter to the Secretary, after two year's 
work there. He said: "My School in this place has been under 
some discouragements the year past, partly by reason of some 
contentions among the People relating to the Place for the School, 
and partly through meer opposition, one to another, for when 
some that dislik'd the place agreed upon by the Major part, re- 
fused to Join in paying my Salary, four of the Principal Men 
offered to pay the £20, and those that did not become engaged 
with them, were to pay to them according to what Children 
they sent at the usual rate per quarter, which some seemed dis- 
contented with, tho' they refused to be engaged for the £20 and 
for a long time they would send none, but of late they grow bet- 
ter reconciled and send their children, and I have a prospect of 
a very full School for the next year; but I believe they would be 
better agreed among themselves, if I had liberty to remove my 
School to some other part of my Parish with Mr. Wetmore's 
advice in case they dont show themselves forward to promote 
the good design of it." 138 In 1732 the S. P. G. ordered the mis- 
sionary to reprove the people for their neglect of the school and, 
if necessary, to remove it. In spite of their failure to assist, the 
people were so unwilling to have Dwight removed from them 
that he urged further patience. In the same spirit Wetmore 
wrote of the situation: "The people are poor, & worse still, they 
are divided against one another. Those who chiefly encouraged 



»s ibid., A recommendation from Mr. Vesey enclosed with this, stated that Dwight 
taught a Latin School in New York for some time, and while there showed himself 
well qualified to be a schoolmaster and catechist. 

«« Jan. 16, 1729-30, S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 235. 

"' Ibid., VIII, p. 4. 

>»a May 15, 1731, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 23, p. 231. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 143 

learning & religion, are either dead or removed within 2 years. 
Mr. Dwight says they are a poor unfortunate people deserving 
compassion, & as he hopes their affairs will mend, so he is will- 
ing to make a further trial among them if the Soc. will allow 
him, being urged by some new comers among them. After 
some trial he will acquaint Soc. with his success." 139 A year 
later conditions had shown no improvement and the Society 
ordered the school removed to White Plains. 140 Though the 
people were mostly Presbyterians here, 141 Dwight found much 
happier encouragement. A schoolhouse was begun and until its 
completion he was allowed to teach in the meeting house. 142 
The people also paid for "his diet and horse keeping" and gave 
him £10 which was "at least equivalent to £20 per annum that 
currency." 143 

There are no statistics as to Dwight's school at North Castle. 
At White Plains, however, he had in 1735 between 20 and 30 
pupils. 144 By 1738 the number had increased to between 30 and 
40, 145 and in 1739 the last report of the school, in the form of a 
Notitia, showed a total enrolment of 46 scholars, of whom 27 
belonged to the Church, 17 to the dissenters, and 2 were 
Negroes. 146 

In 1741 Dwight died and the school came to an end. 147 Some- 
time afterward Mr. Wetmore attempted to have the work re- 
vived and urged the appointment of a Mr. Lamson as school- 
master, catechist, and assistant minister in the parish. 148 The 
Society ordered the matter to be considered later, 149 but it does 
not appear that further action was ever taken towards renewing 
the school. 150 



"» June 6, 1732, ibid.. A, 24, p. 200. 

"o Dec. 21, 1733. S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 114. 

"i S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 26, p. 75. 

"2 S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 39. 

i« Ibid., VIII, p. 4. 

i« Nov. 12, 1735, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 26, p. 75. 

"5 Aug. 31, 1738, S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 4. 

"» July 20, 1739, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 151. Reports for other years were 
not to be found. 

"' Oct. 9, 1741, S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 18. 

»s May 1, and Dec. 13, 1744, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, pp. 253, 255. It is evi- 
dent, however, that Wetmore desired an assistant minister more than a schoolmaster. 

m» S. P. G. Journal, X, p. 23. 

is» Lamson or Lampson was ordained and served as an assistant to Wetmore in 
the capacity of catechist for North Castle and Bedford. He held the position for 
one year, 1745-1746, afterwards being transferred to New England. Classified 
Digest, op. cit., p. 855. 



144 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

There are evidences of instruction in secondary education by 
the agents of the Society, on two different occasions. Both of 
these were in the town of Rye. The first mention of it was in 
the year 1747, in a letter of Rev. Mr. Wetmore to the Secretary 
from which the following is quoted: "Here is a very worthy 
young Gentleman Mr. Thomas Bradbury Chandler educated at 
New Haven College who has lately declared himself a Conform- 
ist to our Church, and has desired me to present his humble Duty 
to the Honbie Society and request that his Name may be re- 
membered among the Candidates for Holy Orders designing to 
devote himself to the Service of the Church when of sufficient 
Age & the Honbie Society shall be pleased to send for him. He 
is now about 21 years of age, and has made Uncommon Pro- 
ficiency in Learning. He has undertaken to keep a Latin School 
in this Parish and for some small Encouragement is willing to 
undertake the Service of reading at Bedford and North Castle 
alternately, for three years after which he will become of Age 
for Holy Orders. And as I can think of no Young man that 
would perform that Service better, I would humbly Request 
that the Honbie Society would allow ten pounds pr. annum to 
Mr. Chandler ... If Mr. Chandler undertakes this service, 
besides the Perquisites of his School which will be about £30 a 
Year New York currency, I don't doubt but I shall be able to 
prevail with them to subscribe at least ten pounds p r . annum 
which I shall endeavour to do for his Encouragement, and I am 
much mistaken in my opinion, if he does not prove a Credit & 
Ornament to our Church." 151 The Society forthwith resolved 
that Chandler should become the catechist for North Castle and 
Bedford at £10 a year. 152 In the ensuing year he was trans- 
ferred to the office of catechist at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, 153 
so the Latin School, according to the facts ascertainable, had an 
existence of about two years. The other venture was carried 
on by Timothy Wetmore. His reference to it has been previously 
quoted. 154 For possibly three years, 1764-67, he conducted a 
Latin School in conjunction with his work in the elementary 
field. In 1774 there was "no grammar School," 156 but in 1775 



>m Feb. 14, 1746-7, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 14, p. 114. 
i" S. P. G. Journal, X, p. 252. 
im May 20, 1748, ibid., XI, p. 26. 
»< See p. 137. 

i« Quoted by Baird, History of Rye Parish, p. 176, and taken from President 
Adam's Works, II, p. 345. 



The Society's Support of Schools m Westchester County 145 

Rev. Mr. Avery, the missionary, advertised the establishment 
of a boarding Grammar School with tuition at £22 per annum. 
This probably continued till his death in November 1776, if it 
was ever actually started. 156 

One other incident relating to the Society's support of schools 
in Rye parish should perhaps be included here. Among a large 
number of benefactions in support of the work of the church in 
New York Province, Mr. St. George Talbot of the city of New 
York was one of the foremost individual donors. Besides vari- 
ous gifts and legacies to churches in other places he made gen- 
erous provision for the church in Rye. In 1759 he further " de- 
vised £500 for the use of Schools" in Rye parish, "& for cloth- 
ing poor children." 157 This and other legacies were put under 
the direction of the S. P. G. 158 But the poor children of the 
school at Rye received no benefit from the bequest, nor in fact 
did the Society. Long years of ligitation followed Mr. Talbot's 
death, and the legacies were not available until the beginning of 
the nineteenth century. 159 No data have been found to show 
other provision of this kind for the poor children who were en- 
rolled in the Society's schools. 160 

The Schools of West Chester Parish 

The second missionary that the S. P. G. appointed for New 
York province was stationed at West Chester parish. 161 This 
was Rev. John Bartow. Before the Society began its support 
of schools in the parish, he provided, out of his own means, for 
the religious instruction of the children. "I take care," he in- 
formed the Secretary, "to Catechise the Children sometimes in 
the Church, and, to make amends for my Omission of that duty 
at any time, I allow a Schoolmaster 20 shillings per ann to en- 



i5s New York Mercury, April 3, 1775; also Baird, op. cit., p. 176. 

is? Wetmore to the Soc, April 7, 1759. S. P. G. Journal, XIV, p. 199. 

"3 ibid., also XV, p. 167. 

"a Bolton, quoting from a minute of Trinity Vestry meeting on March 3, 1803, 
fixes the date of final settlement in that year. Bolton, Hist, of the County of West- 
chester, I, p. 25. 

■ 8 ° Pratt, op. cit., p. 114, includes Thomas Huddleston and John Carhart in the list 
of S. P. G. schoolmasters for Rye. His authority is Baird (op. cit.) and Bolton (op. cit.). 
The writer has already shown the relation of Thomas Huddleston Jr. to the Society. 
He has also indicated that the elder of that name was a private schoolmaster on Long 
Island in 1708. (See p. 77). If he taught at Rye, as Baird and Bolton contend, it 
was in a private school. He was never on the Society's roll, and neither was John 
Carhart as Bolton thinks (p. 126). The confusion of Huddleston was caused by a 
clerical error in the Abstracts of the S. P. G. which printed Huddleston of " Rye" in- 
stead of "New York." Carhart was Clerk of the Vestry of Rye. See Bolton, op. cit., 
p. 235; also Rye Vestry Minutes, I, meetings between 1722-1744. 

"i 1702, Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 58. 



146 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

courage him to instruct the children in the Church Catechism. " 162 
How long this plan was carried out by Mr. Bartow cannot be 
determined, but in 1709 the direct assistance of the Society was 
sought. Bartow sent the following recommendation: "We 
want very much a fixed School at West Chester; If Mr. Daniel 
Clark, my neighbour now in England, shou'd wait upon you 
desirous of that employment I recommend him as a person 
worthy of it, being of good report, a constant Communicant, & 
being a clergyman's Son has had a pious and learned edu- 
cation." 163 No appointment followed, and after three years 
Bartow was joined by other clergy of the province in an appeal 
for schoolmasters, 164 who, said he, "are especially wanted at 
West & East Chester, for the people can give so little, that a 
good master will not stay long"; 165 and "one at Yonkers would 
be of great use to teach the Dutch children English." 166 The 
Society "agreed to allow £5 p. anum . . . to a schoolmaster 
there (Yonkers) to teach Catechism & Liturgy, & certify that he 
teaches 30 children." 167 Not until 1714 was any action taken 
in behalf of West Chester. On December 17th of that year the 
Secretary acknowledged the petition of West Chester in behalf 
of "Charles Glover, Schoolmaster there," and was pleased to 
inform Bartow that the Society had agreed "to allow him £10 
p. a. provided that he comply with the Soc's rules." 168 In their 
petition the inhabitants set forth their belief that Mr. Glover 
was "well qualified to teach their children according to the 
Church of England" and that he already had "more than 40 
Scholars," 169 the poor children being taught for a small recom- 
pense. 170 From about the middle of 1714 until June 1716 Glover 
acted as the Society's agent 171 with the exception of the winter 



"2 Dec. 1, 1707, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 3, p. 184. This is the school, probably, 
to which Huddleston referred in his account of 1708. see p. 77. 

iss Oct. 30, 1709, ibid., A, 5, p. 103. Another testimonial for Daniel Clarke was 
forwarded by Col. Caleb Heathcote, who said that Clarke "formerly taught School 
on Long Island very much to satisfaction. " Ibid., A, 6, p. 98. 

"I 1712, S. P. G. Journal, II, p. 243. 

166 June 9, 1712, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 209. 

166 Ibid. 

is' S. P. G. Journal, II, p. 243, Oct. 10, 1712. 

168 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 246. 

lea S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 2. 

"o Ibid., also S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, 7 fol. p. 97. (The paging of this volume 
is entirely different from the others, there being several sets of Ms. each starting with 
page 1.) 

i» S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 192; Letter-book, A, 12, p. 273. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 147 

of 1 7 14-1 5. 172 His school during the time numbered between 
30 and 40. One certificate, bearing the date July 18, 1715, in- 
formed that he "instructed above 30 children to the parents 
satisfaction, not omitting Ch. Catechism." 173 

The school was vacant for the next year. On May 1, 1717, 
William Forster assumed charge of it at the request of Bartow 
and other inhabitants. 174 Forster in writing a brief sketch of his 
biography to the Society, tells us that his father, Marmaduke 
Forster, is an attorney at law and his uncle, Pexall Forster, is a 
clergyman and Rector of Eggscliff in the Bishopric of Durham; 
that he was educated under Rev. Mr. Burton, the master then 
there, and has since served three years at sea with "Her Late 
Majesty's Letter," and four years a midshipman; that after this 
he found there was not much advancement in the service, as 
there was an abundance of old soldiers to provide for, and not 
many ships at sea; and that he came hither intending to follow 
the sea but was desired to keep school, which, if he was 
not helped, he must leave, as a laborer got more by his daily 
work. 175 Petitions were sent desiring the bestowal of an annual 
bounty on Forster. 176 There was a delay in acting on this mat- 
ter which may have been caused by the hazards in the trans- 
mission of mail. At any rate Forster did not come before the 
consideration of the Society till the October meeting in 1718, 
when he was voted £10 per year from the commencement of his 
teaching, and a packet of books was ordered to be sent him, 
consisting of: "2 Bishop Beveridge's Catechism, 2 Ostervald's 
Catechisms, 2 whole art of Catechising, 50 Catechisms broke 
into Small questions, and 50 abc." 177 In addition to the usual 
subjects taught, we learn that, "he Catechises them weekly in 
the School and makes the Quakers as well as other attend thereat, 
but does not ask the unbaptised any questions that are improper 
for them. On Sundays, when Bartow is away he catechises all 



172 " I cannot omitt to informs that last winter I did not teach here, better incourage- 
ment then presenting." S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 10, p. 194, July 18, 1715. This 
was from Oct. 29 to May 23, ibid., p. 193. Bartow observed that it was difficult to 
get a fixed schoolmaster because there were "greater advantages to be made by other 
employments"; and he added: "The Husbandman earns 3 sh. p. day, & the joiner 
carpenter, mason, weaver, &c. 5 sh. or 6 sh. so that many prefer to be labourers & 
artisans to keeping a School — there was one lately at East Chester that turned weaver, 
& we have one now in W. Chester, that keeps School in winter & in summer is a 
Shephard & has done this for many years." Feb. 16, 1716, ibid.. A, 12, p. 273. 

i" Ibid., A, 10, p. 266. 

i" S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 401 ; Letter-book, A, 12, p. 368. 

>™ Ibid., A, 12, p. 364, Nov. 2, 1717. 

i" Ibid., A, 12, pp. 368, 411. 

i" Ibid., A, 13, p. 434; Journal, III, p. 401. 



148 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

children whether Scholars or not that attend the Church, & reads 
the Psalms, Hymns & Lessons & has had good success." 178 

Forster went to England to get his family about November 
1718, having in the meantime given great satisfaction in the 
school, so that Bartow reported, "We all wish he would continue 
longer with us. " 179 He returned in the ensuing fall taking charge 
again in April 1720. On departing for England he, of course, 
had not yet received notice of his appointment and allow- 
ance, and, it appears, another reason for his trip was to per- 
sonally enlist the interest of the Society. In one of his letters 
he informed the Secretary, as follows: i" After I had kept School 
here 18 months and had not had ye Honr of a Letter from the 
Honwe Society, I Returned to great Britain as I desired to do 
all ye Service in my power for the Society and also for the people 
here. I delivered to the Society's Clerk, in order to be laid be- 
fore them, a Certificate setting forth the satisfaction I had given 
by my method and Success in Teaching and also how earnestly 
the inhabitants of this place did in ye humblest manner request 
the Society's Encouragemt, For my return to them again. 
And I would have attended myself had I not been obliged to be 
in ye Country at ye time of their meeting, upon my return to 
Town the Clerk told me it was contrary to the Orders of the 
Society to send any Scoolmasters abroad but wt was in Deacons 
Orders, but if I return'd, tho' they could not give me an, Order, 
yet they would Continue the Salary, I told him I resolved to re- 
turn and did accordingly the last fall but having my family to 
settle, and the winter being Extremely cold and no convent 
Schoolhouse then provided I did not then begin to keep school 
till the fourth of Aprill last past. I have here sent a Certificate 
signed by the principall inhabitants which will inform the honbie 
Society how much they desire I may be encouraged among 
them. ... I hope the honbie Society will be pleased to En- 
courage me & as the people here are of abillity to do very little 
for me, I hope they'l be pleas'd to make some augmentation to 
the £10 per Ann. & take into consideration my expenses in re- 
moving my family, and for any assistance I shall be always very 
thankfull. " 18 ° This being backed by letters from Bartow and 



"* Ibid., Ill, p. 401. Nov. 2, 1717. 

i« Rev. J. Bartow to Sec, Nov. 18, 1718, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 395. 

iso June 1, 1720, ibid.. A, 14, p. 115. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 149 

Heathcote, not only was the salary continued, but "the Commit- 
tee agreed as their opinion that the Society be moved to make 
Mr. Forster a Gratuity of £10, and send him also 100 Church 
Catechisms, 100 broke into short Questions, 12 of Archbishop 
Wake's Catechisms, and 12 Common Prayer books, and that 
the Secretary acquaint Col. Heathcote herewith." 181 

While Forster was in England the school was continued by 
a substitute who met with very indifferent success. Mr. Bartow 
referred to this schoolmaster, saying: "I have set my hand to 
a Testimonial of one Edward Fitzgerald who kept School in 
Mr. Forster's absence one Year at West Chester; in the Summer he 
had upwards of twenty-five scholars, in the winter under 12, but 
attended the whole Year. I think he deserves a half Years al- 
lowance." 182 Forster, on the other hand, was unguarded in his 
account of the affair, which said: "Here is one Edward Fitz- 
gerald who, during the time I was absent in England which was 
about twelve months, kept school in this Town, and he has by 
pleading poverty prevailed with Mr. Bartow and some others 
to signe a Certificate in his favour for a Salary for that Year: 
Which Certificate as I am informed only setts forth the time he 
kept School and that he instructed in the principles of the Church 
of England, neither mentioning the Number of his Scholars nor 
his diligence. But that you may not be in the dark as to this 
man's true character I give them this acct. which if desired 
shall be sufficiently testifyed: he is much given to drink and 
don't attend the Church, for Mr. Bartow does not remember 
he saw him above once there in the time he kept ye school here. 
On his request Mr. Bartow let him have some of the Books that 
were sent to me but I cannot find, tho' I have Examined all the 
Scholars, that he gave them any save one to a child where he 
lodged, and what use he put them to is not known; as to the 
Encouragmt he gave by his dilligence it was such that, from near 
thirty Scholars, they were before my Arrival reduced to Six." 183 

Forster was constantly commended in the earlier years of his 
service. His activity in both the school and the Church so 
pleased the S. P. G. that the following recommendation was 



i" Adopted by the Society Jan. 20, 1720-21, S. P. G. Journal, IV, p. 135. The 
Secretary also wrote: "The Society have agreed to allow you a Salary of £10 per 
annum from the time you began to teach School at West Chester, also a grautity of 
£10. Letter-book, A, 16, p. 254. 

is? Aug. 13. 1720, ibid.. A, 14, p. 121. 

i" Aug. 8, 1720, ibid., A, 14, p. 120. 



150 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

passed in 1724: " Whereupon the Committee in consideration 
of the extraordinary Services of Mr. Forster in makeing of a 
Collection for reparing the Church at Westchester, surveying of 
Glebes and otherwise besides the diligent teaching of his School, 
agreed that the Society be moved to increase his salary to £20 a 
year to commence from Christmas last and also allow him a 
Gratuity of £10 for his past services." 184 From this time on he 
enjoyed a bounty as great as that conferred on the schoolmaster 
in New York. Forster held the office of County Clerk from 1733 
to 1746, 185 and enjoyed the perquisites of that office. He was 
also Recorder of the borough during some or all of this time, 186 
with such extra emoluments as might be afforded by this 
means. In 1733 Rev. Mr. Standard, the successor of Mr. Bar- 
tow, severely attacked Forster because of his too great interest 
in politics, his taking on outside work, and his consequent ne- 
glect of the school. 187 The affair brought about an investigation 
by Mr. Vesey and others of the clergy. Forster was amply 
cleared for the time being. It was declared: "Forster's ap- 
pointments are Recorder of the borough and clerk of the county: 
the first engages him one hour in a day, once a month, & that 
out of School time; & the other twice a year, at most 4 times, 
generally 3 days each. He was never Judge of the Common 
pleas (wh. Standard confesses to have been a mistake), & that 
the Bonds or writings Forster may do for people may generally be 
done at home — Mr. Forster never had the nominating of the 
Justices, & they believe the offices & trusts he now enjoys are 
very compatible, and that he discharges them justly & dili- 
gently, which together with his great humanity piety & civil 
deportment hath gained him esteem & respect from all good men, 
& they believe him to be accused by an uneasy ill-tempered 
envious and avaricious person — As to Mr. Forster's being 
Scrivener to Mr. Vesey &c, Forster has only drawn 4 or 5 Bonds 
for him, one of which was 15 years ago, & has delivered 6 or 7 
letters for him, & 2 or 3 times spoke to people who owed Vesey 
Money — Altogether Vesey & other Clergy have known Forster 
for many years as a zealous promoter of the Church, ready to 
serve her Ministers and as a sober religious industrious man & 



is< Feb. 19, 1723/4. S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 28-9. 

i" Doc. re. Col. Hist, of N. Y., op, cit., V, p. 978; Ec. Rec, op. cit., p. 2140. 

wo s. P. G. Journal, VI. p. 278. July 1. 1735. 

w» Ibid., VI, pp. 134, 192, 194. Letter-book, A, 25, p. 50. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 15 1 

well deserving of Soc's Salary." 188 Though Mr. Standard's 
conduct was unduly bitter and contentious 189 in the affair, he 
surely had some basis for complaint against Forster. The lat- 
ter's irregularity in sending reports and his failure to have them 
properly attested soon brought forth the Society's protest. 190 
Public business, too, called him away frequently, though he 
usually kept the school in session on such occasions by em- 
ploying one of his former pupils to take charge. 191 In 1742 Mr. 
Standard again complained of Forster's school, and of the one 
at Rye. His letter declares that they "have been miserably 
neglected, the masters absenting themselves for days or even 
weeks together . . . none have been neglected like theirs, 
•& therefore the intelligent part of the country are unanimously 
of opinion, that the Soc, had better save their expences on this 
head, & use it to better purposes." 192 After this, regardless of 
Standard's possible prejudices, the Society revoked the salary, 193 
and Forster retired from the school in 1744. 194 

Seventeen reports of Forster's work at West Chester are avail- 
able, much less than half of the number which the Society's 
rules required. They cover years between 1717 and 1742, the 
majority being for the decade 1730 to 1740. 195 In 1718 he had 
enrolled 82 pupils in fifteen months, 196 and in 1731 there were 
"60 during the year." 197 The lowest attendance shown was 20, 
recorded in 1723 and 1741 ; 198 the highest was 44 in 1734. 199 The 
average attendance was 35. The proportion of boys and girls 
was not given by Forster, 200 but four reports group the children 



"a July 1, 1735, ibid., VI, p. 278. Gov. Cosby similarly defended Forster. S. P. 
G. Letter-book, A, 25, p. 60. 

189 The missionary was himself under a severe Are of criticism about this time. 
.Hawks Transcripts, N. Y. II, p. 80, being a letter from Gov. Cosby to the Bishop of 
London, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 25, p. 60. 

wo s. P. G. Journal, VII, p. 55; VIII, p. 88. 

i»i Ibid., VI, p. 192. 

"2 Ibid., IX, p. 132. Mar. 18, 1742. 

"J Apr. 15, 1743, ibid., IX, p. 132. 

194 s. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 336. This document from the Church and people 
of West Chester includes this quotation: "Wm Forster, Soc's late Schoolmaster, 
by reason of his practising surgery & other employments, has left the school." It 
is dated Apr. 5, 1744. 

195 Mr. Standard in 1742 charged Forster with exaggerating reports, S. P. G. 
Journal, IX, p. 132. But Standard's animosity towards Forster was such as to make 
his claim doubtful. 

196 Ibid., A, 13, p. 382. 
«7 Ibid., A, 23, p. 349. 

"a Ibid., A, 17, p. 228; B, 9, p. 63. 
199 S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 192. 

joo With this exception: In 1718 he adds, in speaking of his scholars, "Several of 
them being young men and women. " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 382. 



152 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

of dissenters and those of the Church, as follows: In 1723, 23 
were of the Church, 5 were Quakers, and 5 were dissenters; in 
1739, 17 of the 32 were classed as non-Church children; in Nov- 
ember of 1739, 16 out of 36 were so classed; and in 1741, 6 out of 
20. 201 Reports from 1737 to 1739 inclusive are the only ones 
that give the number of free children. Their proportion is from 
45 to 62 per cent. 202 Paying scholars, however, did not materi- 
ally increase his income for we have his own declaration that the 
people paid him but little on account of the school. 203 In the 
quotation following he thus describes his work: "I shall take 
care to Comply with the Society's Standing orders and in Order 
thereunto Do thereby inform them that my method is the same 
as sett forth in my former Letters That the Number of 
my Scholars is uncertain being sometimes more and sometimes 
less as the people can spare their children from their Country 
business, but the greatest number has been between Thirty and 
fforty and the fewest about Twenty but then in the Winter some- 
times twenty or more Young people come to School in the Even- 
ing which come not in the day. I bless God my Success in the 
Instruction of my Scholars has been to the Content of their 
Parents and Severall of Scholars are not only qualified for Country 
Employments but for other business; for I teach all the Rules of 
Vulgar and Decimal Arithmetick, and Mr. Bartows eldest son 
is now about to learn Geometry, Trigonometry Surveying and 
other branches of the Mathematicks. " 204 But, at a later date, 
he says: "The Number of my Scholars at present is 31 and the 
reason there are no more, is my teaching them Quick, and as 
they generally learn no further than the double Rule of Three 
or Practice, one Sett goes off, before another is grown up fit to 
come." 205 

The schoolmaster provided his own schoolhouse at first. In 
1724 he reported: "This summer they are building a new School 
House;" 206 and in 1726 he wrote that he had "kept School in 
the new School-house" all the past winter and that it was "built 



2M Ibid., A, 12, p. 364; B, 7, pp. 115, 157; B, 9, p. 63. 

"* 18 or 19 out of 40 on June 6, 1737; 22 out of38onNov. 18, 1737; 20 out of 32 on 
June 14, 1738; 26 out of 40 on Feb. 16, 1738-9; and 20 out of 32 on Oct. 19, 1739. 
S. P. G. Journal, VII, pp. 239, 257, 302; VIII, pp. 88, 144; Letter-book, B, 7, p. 115. 

»<>3 Oct. 14, 1724, ibid., A, 18, p. 193. 

*°« May 18, 1723, ibid., A, 17, p. 228. 

=05 July 10, 1728, ibid., A, 21, p. 348. 

«« S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 18, p. 175. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 153 

big enough to hold 60 scholars." 207 We learn from another 
source that the schoolhouse was "100 yds, from the County 
Hall." 208 Forster did not employ an usher regularly, but on 
the occasions when other business occupied his time he did hire 
assistance. In 1734 we have the word of Thomas Bartow, son 
of the earlier missionary, to the effect that three years before 
and "now lately" Forster had employed him in his school several 
times, paying him for it, sometimes 3 shillings a day. 209 On 
the same date John Bartow stated that, whenever the School- 
master "was called away on business last autumn," he taught 
the school and that he did this a little before the election. 210 
Forster made no reference to the matter when reporting to his 
superiors. To judge from his increasing absence for outside 
business, the Bartow boys were frequently called on in the later 
years of his teaching. Such books as were sent to Forster for 
the use of the school were contained in the packets already 
mentioned. Apparently he did not send requests for any others. 
In January, 1745, Basil Bartow, another son of the deceased 
missionary, was made the S. P. G. schoolmaster. 211 The Church 
and people of the town had urged his selection by the Society, 
in which Forster himself had joined. 212 Commissary Vesey also 
wrote in his behalf from New York City, and said of him: "Mr. 
Bartowe is 23, a single man, of good temper, prudent, and sober 
& pious in life and conversation, well affected to the present 
Government, conformable to the doctrine & discipline of the 
Church, and in his opinion, exceedingly well qualified for teach- 
ing children." 213 On appointing him the Society voted a salary 
of £10 only, which, it was ordered, was to "commence from 
Michaelmas last." 214 From this it may be inferred that Bartow 
had taken up the duties of Schoolmaster as early as September 
1744, so that, perhaps, no break of any length occurred in the 
school. Besides fees he had no other emoluments at the out- 



»« Ibid., A, 19, p. 388. 

"8 Ibid., A, 25, p. 49. 

"» Aug. 27, 1734, ibid.. A, 25, p. 77. 

»o Ibid. And Vesey wrote: "Sometimes the public business . . . calls upon 
him in school time, yet he has substituted one or other of Mrs. Bartow's sons to serve 
in his stead on those occasions. " August 28, 1734, S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 192. 

»» Jan. 18, 1744 15, S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 348. 

212 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 336. 

»»» Sept. 24, 1744, S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 348. 

"* Ibid. 



154 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

set. 215 In 1747 he was made Clerk of the Mayor's Court, 216 
which he held until 1752 at least and, presumably, during the 
remainder of his schoolmastership. 217 Bartow made two at- 
tempts to get his salary restored to the former amount. In 
1746 he declared: " ... in this luke warm Age it seems as 
if Parents (Dissenters in particular) were quite Negligent of their 
Children's Christian Education — there is many poor Children 
here that I believe would be wholly without Education if it was 
not for the Society's Charitable bounty. The Charity of the 
people here is so Small (many of them poor) that as I make the 
School my whole Employment the income which I have is not 
sifficient [sic] for my Support." 218 The Society met the appeal 
to the extent of agreeing "to give Mr. Bartow a gratuity of £5 
to encourage him to persevere diligently in his duty." 219 In 
1748, he appealed the second time for the allowances of his suc- 
cessor without which he felt he could not continue. 220 His con- 
dition was vouched for by the Rector of Trinity, as follows: 
"I also recommend Mr. Basil Bartow to the Honbie Society's 
Favour, he being one of the most useful Schoolmasters in their 
Employment and his Stipend altogether Insufficient for his 
Support. I have been informed by some Gentlemen of this 
City who frequently visit Westchester, that he is very Diligent 
and Conscientious in the Discharge of his Office, and they are 
affraid it would prove a Detriment to the Interest of Religion, 
if he should betake himself to some other Employment." 221 
Information was returned that the S. P. G. was not then in a 
condition to augment salaries, 222 and Bartow continued in charge 
of the school without urging the matter again. On account of 
"bodily infirmities" which prevented "his working any longer," 
he resigned at the end of 1761. 223 

Between 1745 and 1761 there are thirteen reports of Bartow's 
school; in fact, for every year save 1754-57 inclusive. All but 



*" s. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 337. 

"6 Ibid., B, 15, p. 107. "As to my being Clerk of the Mayors Court, it is no hin- 
drance to me in the School, the Court being opened only the 1st Tuesday in Every 
Month to fulfil our Charter, And then its seldom that a Writt is Returnable. " Ibid. 

»" His Notitiae did not mention the office after 1752, but doubtless he let it be 
taken for granted thereafter. 

«s Sept. 29, 1746, ibid., B, 14, p. 119. 

*i» Apr. 10, 1747, S. P. G. Journal, X, p. 242. 

220 ibid., XI, p. 118. 

22i Rev. Henry Barclay to Sec, Jan. 2, 1748, S. P. G. Letterbook, B, 16, p. 71. 
Barclay had succeeded Vesey as Rector of Trinity and Commissary of the Province. 

222 Sec. to Bartow, ibid., B, 17, p. 199a. 

»» Dec. 14, 1761, S. P. G. Journal, XV, p. 202. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 155 

three of them are in the form of Notitiae. His average enrol- 
ment during the different years was 43, the lowest being 33 and 
the highest 61. 224 Up to 1754 there were more of the dissenters' 
than Church of England children, the proportion being as 58 
to 42 per cent; 225 while after 1758, there was 36 per cent only 
of dissenting children. 225 In explanation of the enrolment Mr. 
Bartow wrote in 1745 that he did not have the number of pupils 
in the list at one time. The most, he said, attended in whiter 
when there were 23. Some of these were men who ''in spring had 
to go to husbandry." In early summer there came in a set of 
small children who could not attend in cold and snow. This 
seasonal change may of course be applied to other years. Re- 
garding sects Bartow said: "Tho' part of the Children are of dis- 
senting families, I teach them the whole Catechism, except the 
parts relating to Baptism & the Lord's Supper." 227 

From 1753 to the end of his work Bartow employed an usher 
whose sole time was given to the children. The Society records 
state that, "being of a weakly condition, he had, by advice of 
his friends, taken in an Usher, & will take care that the School 
be duly attended." 228 For the first years and until 1752, the 
reports specifically stated that no other schools were in the town. 
Thereafter no answer was made to this question of the Notitia, 
yet his silence is a fairly safe inference that his own school, lo- 
cated in the town schoolhouse, was the only one during the 
period. 

Though the Society promised the usual assistance for a suc- 
cessor to Mr. Bartow, 229 it was three years before the missionary 
could report the securing of a satisfactory schoolmaster. 230 
Meanwhile the schoolhouse had been occupied by another master 



>« 42 in 1745, 33 in 1746, 36 in 1747, 46 in 1748, 46 in 1749, 44 in 1750, 61 in 1751, 
55 in 1752, 51 in 1753, 38 in 1758, 34 in 1759, 34 in 1760, 36 in 1761. S. P. G. Letter- 
book, B, 13, p. 337; B, 14, p. 119; B, 15, p. 107; B, 16, p. 61a; B, 17, p. 109; B, 18, 
p. 120; B, 19, p. 84, B, 20, p. 62-3; B, 3, p. 275; B, 8, p. 276; Journal, XII, p. 341; 
XIV, p. 165; XV, p. 202. 

325 In 1750 there were 22 of each group, in 1753 there was as wide a difference as 
18 Oh. of Eng. and 38 dissenters. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 18, p. 120; Journal, XII, 
p. 341. 

226 See citations above for these years. 

2 " Oct. 28, 1745, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 337. 

22 s S. P. G. Journal, XII, p. 341. The usher is referred to later in 1759 and 1760. 
S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 273.; B, 8, p. 276. 

22 » Ibid., XV, p. 224. 

mo Presumably on account of the S. P. G. requirements, the missionary reported 
many unsuitable offers and added : "It has not been in my power to procure a School- 
master as yet tho' I have taken all the usual methods of advertising & enquiry. " 
S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 284. 



156 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

who taught for a year, if not for longer. 231 The missionary at 
West Chester finally appointed Nathaniel Seabury who entered 
upon his work September 25, 1764, 232 at the age of nineteen 
years. 233 He served the school for the following three years and, 
"having entered on another Scene of Life, had come," we are 
told, "under such Engagements, that he tho't he could not at- 
tend the School, so as to do Justice to it, & therefore declined 
it." 234 

The school declined perceptibly under Seabury, though it was 
not altogether his own fault. The dissenters who could pay 
tuition were making other arrangements for educating their 
children. So, too, were the better families among the Church 
adherents. The following is an example of such provision: 
"Mr. George Youngs who has officiated as Clerk to the Churches, 
since I have been in the Mission, & has taught school for three 
or four families of sober pious People . . . about two miles 
from hence, for several Years past, to their very particular Satis- 
faction, & who supports a very good Character, is a Communi- 
cant, & very well known, both to me & the People. " 235 Young 
Seabury had only 18 or 20 pupils in the summer and about 14 
in the winter. 236 Of these but 3 or 4 were taught gratis, 
others paying "at the Rate of one Spanish Dollar the 
Quarter." 237 So far from being a charity school the Society was 
told at one time that it had become shamefully neglected and of 
no manner of use. 238 The S. P. G. was on the point of with- 
drawing the salary, but refrained from doing so in view of other 
representations. The situation was thus described by a brother 
of the schoolmaster, who had become the Society's missionary 
at West Chester: "The Schoolmaster is my Brother, and since 
I have been in the Parish has lodged at my House, and I can 
honestly affirm that he hath not neglected the School the year 
past. I have also enquired of those People who were most 
likely to inform me of his former Conduct, especially of those 



mi From the winter of 1763-4 to about Sept. 1764. S P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, 
p. 289. The name of the schoolmaster was not mentioned. 

232 Ibid., S. P. G. Journal, XVI, p. 299. This was confirmed with salary of £10. 
Feb. 15, 1765. Ibid. 

M3 s. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 165. 

S3* Rev. Samuel Seabury to Sec, Oct. 1, 1768, ibid., B, 2, p. 159; also B, 3, p. 291. 

ms Ibid., B, 2, p. 159. 

236 Ibid., B, 2, p. 172; B, 3, pp. 289, 290. 

»' Ibid., B, 2, p. 172. The Spanish Dollar was equivalent to eight shillings. This 
would have made the yearly tuition £1-12 sh. 

238 Samuel Auchmuty to the Sec, ibid., B, 2, p. 19. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 157 

who had Children at the School, and have heard of no Complaint. 
Notwithstanding I do not think the School is of so much use as 
the Society may reasonably expect. Those children that are 
poor, and the proper Objects of the Society's Bounty are the 
hardest to go to School. Their Parents are either careless and 
suffer them to grow up in Idleness, or they keep them at Home 
to labour; so that not more than three or four have been to School, 
and those not Constantly. ... By this Account the So- 
ciety will see, that the Number of Children is so small that if 
they withdrew their Salary the School should cease. This I 
should be sorry should happen. I should also be sorry to see 
their Bounty productive of so little good. Tho' therefore I can- 
not urge them to continue their Salary, yet I can assure them 
that if they continue it, either to my Brother or any other Per- 
son, I will do everything in my Power to make the School use- 
ful, and will myself also see that the Master does punctually 
eonform to such Directions as the Society shall give." 239 

A year after Nathaniel Seabury retired from the school, Rev. 
Mr. Seabury prevailed upon George Youngs, the private school- 
master, to open it, as the engagement with his patrons had ex- 
pired. 240 "This he consented to do," wrote Seabury, "upon my 
promising to recommend him to the Society & endeavour to get 
him appointed their schoolmaster. Mr. Youngs is to begin the 
school in two or three Days; & as he is very agreeable to the 
People, & I believe every way qualified & disposed to do Justice 
to the School, & answer the Society's Expectations, I hope they 
will be pleased to appoint him their Schoolmaster here." 241 
Youngs was accordingly appointed "with £10 p. a. from Michael- 
mas last. " 242 As an assurance to the Society, Seabury promised 
a close inspection of the school, saying: "I have informed him 
that I shall frequently visit the School, & that he must teach 
such Children as I shall nominate to him upon the Society's Ac- 
count. I tho't it best to take that Matter into my own Hands, 
& shall after proper Inquiry among such People as I can depend 
upon, nominate such as I think the Society's Bounty will be 
best bestowed upon; & shall make it a Condition with the Parents 
or Friends, that the Children shall be sent constantly to School 



239 Dec. 28, 1767, from Rev. Samuel Seabury to the Sec, ibid., B, 2, p. 172. 

"o Ibid., B, 2, p. 159, Oct. 1, 1768. 

141 Ibid. The school reopened about Oct. 3, 1768. 

"2 s. P. G. Journal, XVIII. p. 84. 



158 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

& not be kept at Home, one half of their Time; That they shall 
moreover regularly attend Church & Catechising and I hope in 
due Time to give the Society such Accounts of this School, as 
shall be agreeable to them." 243 

Youngs also officiated as Clerk of the Church and enjoyed 
such perquisites as that position might afford. His enrolment 
in the first year increased to 26 244 and in the years 1770 and 1771 
there were 41, 245 ten of whom were taught on the Society's 
bounty. In 1769, 16 were children of the Church, the others 
being dissenters and Quakers. In 1770 he had 28 of the first 
with 5 dissenters and 8 Quakers; and in 1771 he had nine 
Quakers in addition to the Church children. 246 As a means of 
better serving the community Youngs proposed to set in opera- 
tion the following interesting plan, which, unfortunately, was 
not allowed to materialize. In reporting on his work in 1771, 
he informed the Society: "I shall by Desire (if God permit) 
open an Evening School about two Miles and an half from where 
I now keep and will be conducted in the same manner as the 
School is in the Day, the said evening School will be opened on 
the fourth Day of November next at 6 of the Clock every Even- 
ing and to continue till 9 at Night During the Winter Season, 
for the Conveniency of those that can't attend the School in the 
Day time. This Evening School will Consist of 20 Scholars, 
of which some will be of the poor, that can't attend in the Day 
for they must be to their Business, having no other Support. 
Notwithstanding this, the School in the Day will be continued 
and kept to Daily as usual." 247 Just previous to the sending of 
the above, Rev. Mr. Seabury forwarded the following unfavor- 
able account: "I must in Faithfulness to the Society inform them 
that the Conduct of their Schoolmaster here has not been so 
Satisfactory to me, the last Year, especially the latter Part of 
it, as formerly. He is become an Encourager of Conventicles, 
admitting stroling Independent and Methodist Teachers to hold 
forth at his House. He is by Several Persons accused of ne- 
glecting his School, & maltreating the Scholars, & by some of 
drinking too freely; tho' I do not imagine, that this last article 



"» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 159. 

»« Notitia of 1769, ibid., B, 3, p. 294. Five of these were taught gratis. 

»« Ibid., pp. 295, 296. 

J " See citations above for these years. 

™ Ibid., Oct. 15, 1771. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 159 

can be directly proved upon him. When I sign his Notitia I 
shall acquaint him, that my signing any more after this Year, 
will depend intirely upon his good Behaviour & such Directions 
as I receive from the Society. " 248 The attitude of the missionary 
seems more narrowly partisan than justifiable and is to be re- 
gretted. He doubtless did reprimand Youngs in the manner 
indicated, which the latter must have resented. Some three 
weeks after this Youngs "abruptly quitted the Place, & went to 
New York. " m 

Another long vacancy in the school followed. Not until 1774 
did Seabury procure a schoolmaster who could meet his approval. 
Writing on January 3, 1775 that he had been trying to find a 
proper person ever since the departure of Youngs, he announced 
further that "about 8 months ago, Mr. George Gott, a single 
man, born in England, who had been an Usher in a school at N. 
York, offered for the employment," and was accepted. "He 
came well recommended," continued Seabury, "& has behaved 
with great propriety & diligence, & the children improve 
greatly." 250 Mr. Gott we learn elsewhere opened his school 
May 9, 1774, 251 but scarcely could he have learned of his ac- 
ceptance by the London office before he gave up the work. He 
left the school May 23, 1775, which "want of health obliged him 
to relinquish," and returned to England. 252 Regarding his 
schoolmastership, Mr. Seabury said: "He conducted himself in 
the most unexceptionable manner; & the Children made a very 
considerable Improvement under his Instruction. Those Chil- 
dren whose parents were unable to pay for their Schooling were 
admitted & properly attended to by him. I am really sorry to 
part with him, & the people, who are duly sensible of the favour 
of the Society & desire to return their Thanks for it, are a good 
deal disconcerted, but hope the Society will still continue their 
bounty, when a proper person can be found to take charge of 
their School." 253 With the departure of Gott, the Society's 
school at West Chester came to an end. 254 



2" Oct. 8, 1771, ibid., B, 2, p. 182. 

«» About Nov. 1, 1771, ibid., B, 2, p. 184. 

J" S. P. G. Journal, XX, p. 328, His appointment was approved by the S. P. G„ 
March 17, 1775, ibid. 

"i S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 187. 

"i Ibid. 

263 ibid. 

2« The Abstracts of Proceedings have listed George Youngs as the schoolmaster 
until 1778. How misleading this is has been shown by the actual records. What the 
abstracts intend to convey is probably this: that the S. P. G. carried an open account 
for the school until 1778, bounties being allowable pending any appointments; and 
clerical carelessness kept repeating Youngs name. 



160 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

The Society's resolution to assist in setting up a school at 
Yonkers has been referred to. 255 This action was taken in 1712, 
but no schoolmaster was found upon whom the bounty could be 
conferred. Rev. Mr. Bartow wrote in 1714 that the people at 
Yonkers were mostly Dutch, who came generally to church when 
he preached there, and added: "I hope their Children will be 
educated in ye Church way w^ we can get an English School- 
master of the Church." 256 He followed this with the suggestion 
that "if Soc. would send over one of the poor youths of the 
Hospital wth £5 p. a. to teach the children sometimes at Yonkers 
& sometimes at East Chester, the people would contribute £20 
p. a. (that country money)." 257 In reply the Secretary repre- 
sented that the Governor of Christ Church Hospital had been 
discoursed with on this matter, but would give them no 
answer. 258 Yonkers was again alluded to by the missionary in 
his letter of February 1716/7, from which the Secretary has 
made the following note: " ... nor could they ever get a 
Schoolmaster for Yonkers, wherefore Mr. Noah Barton, a Jus- 
tice of Peace, who dwells in the outer-most part of Yonkers de- 
sired him to request Soc. to grant one half of the five pounds, 
granted to Yonkers, to a Schoolmaster to instruct the children 
of the adjacent families at Miles Square and the other half to be 
for the other part of Yonkers, when they can get a Schoolmaster; 
which he submits to the Soc's pleasure, but observes the dif- 
ficulty to get a fixed Schoolmaster because there are greater 
advantages to be made by other employments; yet says a small 
encouragement from Soc. will oblige them to attend so long at 
least, annually, as to teach the children the Ch. Catechism, & 
to read their Mother tongue." 269 This ended Bartow's interest 
in behalf of Yonkers. With the sanction of the Society, as to 
Miles Square, 260 he found a candidate upon whom he bestowed 
the bounty of 50 shillings. "The people there," said Bartow, 
"have a Schoolmastr one Samuel Jones an inhabitant of the 
place who with the assistance of his wife when he is about his 
necessary business in the field does instruct the children of the 



2" See p. 146. 

«« S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 225. 

*« S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 2. 

"s s. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 246. 

«» S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 288. 

"0 Ibid.; also Letter-book, A, 12, p. 428. 



The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 161 

place to the satisfaction of the Parents." 261 But Jones "con- 
tinued his service for one Year and no longer" and then "left 
off to keep School." 262 In 1718 Mr. Bartow urged that East 
Chester be given the balance of the allowance voted for Yonkers, 
inasmuch as "Justice Noah Barton & others of the Inhabitants 
of East Chester" had desired him to pray the Society to grant 
"50 shillings per. ann. to a Schoolmastr at East Chester, Mr. 
John Gifford." 263 The request, evidently, did not receive the 
Society's consideration. In 1729 James Delpech, a former 
Society schoolmaster at Narragansett, 264 was teaching at East 
Chester but there is nothing to indicate that he was then under 
S. P. G. auspices. 265 Finally Rev. Mr. Standard made an un- 
successful appeal to the Society in 1733, in behalf of the ap- 
pointment of a Mr. Child at East Chester. 266 

The Society's first missionary at New Rochelle, in 1711, re- 
ported having set up "a School for young people," whom he 
made to read the Psalms. 267 It did not, however, have any 
material support from London. In 1727 and the following year 
there was "no school nor Schoolmaster" there, 268 but in 1729 
one school had been established in which both French and 
English were being taught. 269 

There are slight evidences of any secondary education carried 
on by members of the Society. Accessible records show that 
Forster in 1720 had some Latin scholars besides his elementary 
pupils. This work he mentioned on one occasion only, 270 so 
that we are left in doubt as to whether it was more than a tem- 
porary arrangement on his part. Again, after a long lapse of 
years, we learn that the S. P. G. missionary of the parish, Rev. 
Samuel Seabury, when hard pressed by the troubles of 1776, set 
up a Grammar school. Concerning it, he said: "To extricate 
my self from some Debts, which it was my Misfortune & not 
my Fault to contract I opened a Grammar School at West 



"i Nov. 18, 1718, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 395. 

»« From 1718 to 1719. Bartow to the Sec, July 2, 1719, ibid., A, 13, p. 463. 
»" Ibid., A, 13, p. 395. 
«4 Ibid., A, 22, pp. 45, 159, 160. 
«« Ibid., B, I, p. 50. 

« 6 Ibid., A, 24, p. 480; Journal, VI, p. 134. 
*" May 18, 1711, S. P. G. Journal, II, p. 37. 

«» Rev. J. Stoupe to Sec, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 20, p. 198; A, 21, p. 349. 
*«• Rev. Mr. Standard to Sec, ibid., B, 1, p. 50. New Rochelle was a French settle- 
ment originally. 

*'o June 1, 1720, ibid., A, 14, p. 115. 



162 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Chester, which for two years past brought me in nearly £100 
a Year this Currency, & in another Year I should have been 
freed from my Incumbrances. But my School is broke up, & 
the Profits of the past Year must go for the Support of my Fam- 
ily, as the Salary from the Parish which will be due on New 
Years day, has never been assessed. ,mi 

»" Dec. 29, 1776, ibid., B, 2, p. 190. 



CHAPTER VIII 

THE SOCIETY'S SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS ON STATEN 

ISLAND 

The first appeal for the aid of the S. P. G. on Staten Island was 
made by Rev. Eneas Mackenzie, missionary, as early as 1705. 1 
Upon the receipt of it the Society took prompt steps to supply 
a schoolmaster, as the following minutes show: "Mr. Townsend 
attending was called in and acquainted that the Society had 
agreed to send him as a Schoolmaster to Staten Island with an 
allowance of £20 per Annum to commence from Lady day last 
in order to instruct the Children of such poor people in the Said 
Island in reading, writing, & the principles of the Christian Re- 
ligion, as are not able to pay him for the same. . . . Agreed 
that the sum of £5 be allowed for Catechisms & other books for 
the use of the Scholars under the direction of the said Mr. Town- 
send according to the discretion of the Committee." 2 Mr. 
Townsend did not avail himself of the offer but remained in 
England and the order was countermanded the next year. 3 In 
1708 there was still no school on the island, as we are informed 
by William Huddleston. 4 In the year following, however, Mr. 
Mackenzie succeeded in getting two schools under way and so 
wrote to London: "I have at last, with much adoe got two English 
Schools sett up upon the Island, but the children of the poor are 
not the better for it, for the Schoolmasters, having no set Sal- 
aries, but so much for each Scholar, they teach none but such as 
are able to pay 'em the Stated ffee, which the poor cannot afford. 
If the Society was pleased to allow the £20 that was once al- 
loted for a Schoolmaster upon this Island to be divided between 
these two now teaching, they shou'd be obliged thereby each of 

'Nov. 8, 1705, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 116. 
'Apr. 19, 1706, S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (18). 

'July 18, 1707, ibid., I, p. (84). 
* Previously cited p. 77; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 4, p. 58. 

163 



164 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

them to teach so many poor children and besides it would be a 
considerable ease and encouragement to all." 5 

Before the approval of the Society could be ascertained, 
these two men had retired and the missionary repeated his pro- 
posal in behalf of other candidates. "You desire me, Sir," he 
said, "to be more explicite in my proposals concerning the two 
Schoolmasters upon our Island, to give their Names, an account 
of the places they teach in, of those they teach &c. One Adam 
Brown, a young man teaches children in the South side of the 
Island, where there is a mixture of almost all Nations under 
heaven — And one Benjamin Drewit, a Man of 30 years of age, 
teaches in the ffresh Kilns about the center of the Island within 
a Mile of the place where we are a building of our Church and 
where most of the Inhabitants are ffrench. The Schoolmasters 
we had there last year, wou'd serve no longer, their encourage- 
ment was so small and these two I named I have engaged to stay 
for a year in hopes the Society will be pleased to allow ten 
pounds p. Annum to each. I fear it may be thought an Act of 
Presumption & imprudence in me that I should engage these 
Schoolmasters in any Assurance of this money, till I was first 
inform'd that the Society wou'd allow it. But the want of a 
School (without wch the youth are incapable of any Spiritual 
Instruction) is so deplorable a want I wou'd run a great Risq to 
have it supplyed; and besides I took some encouragement from 
Mr. Chamberlayne desiring an Account of his Schoolmasters 
Names, and that the Society was pleased once before to settle 
£30 a year upon a Gentleman that was designed thither to 
teach School. In Short, I have so far assured the Schoolmas- 
ters of the Society's Bounty that it will fall heavy upon me every 
way to meet with a disappointment in it, but if thereby I have 
done myself a prejudice, I shall have this satisfaction to sup- 
port me under my punishment, that I did it with a design to 
Serve the Church; for there's such a diversibility of languages 
in the Island, that except they be taught English, their Conform- 
ity to the Church can't be expected." 6 Whereupon Brown and 
Drewitt were formally appointed by the Society with £10 each 
per year to commence from midsummer 1710. 7 



6 June 13, 1709, ibid., A, 5, p. 18. 

6 July 28, 1710, ibid.. A, 5, p. 148. Brown's Christian name was Symon and not 
Adam. The mistake was later corrected. Ibid., A, 7, p. 190. 
i S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (306) ; II, p. 70. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Stolen Island 165 

Brown opened his school on July 27, 1710 8 and continued in 
this work, teaching in the south precinct of the island, until 
about February 1714. 9 In just two reports that could be found 
we are told that he "has 35 Scholars many of whom have been 
taught according to the intent of the Society to read, write, & 
cypher with the Catechism & the explanation thereof to such as 
are capable, together with the use of the Common prayer, & 
that 24 of them have been publickly catechised in the church 
by Mr. Mackenzie." 10 Drewitt was disliked by the people and 
Mackenzie after about a year displaced him and appointed in 
his stead two schoolmasters, Francis Williamson for the middle 
or west precinct and a Mr. Dupuy for the north precinct. 11 It 
was mutually agreed that the £10 allowed Drewitt should be 
divided as their allowance from the Society. 12 

Nothing regarding Dupuy is known beyond his appointment. 
Williamson sent a report in March 1712 that he began teaching 
Nov. 20, 1710 and still continued, having 15 children. 13 He was 
superseded within a month after the above report by Thomas 
Potts. 14 Through the arrangement made by Mr. Mackenzie, Potts 
was to have the full £10 heretofore divided between the north and 
the west precincts, and from now on these two positions were 
combined according to the previous terms made with Drewitt. 15 
A letter from Potts to the Secretary, in April, 1713, represents 
that he has kept school for a year at the Freshkills in the west 
of the county (Richmond) where he was settled by Mr. Mac- 
kenzie and the people there. He had 23 children, and several 
of them according to the Society's bounty he had "taught to 
read & some to write & Cypher & Ch. Catechism." 16 

Potts served for one year and his place was taken by Benjamin 
Miller in April 1713. 17 Miller served two and a half years for the 
S. P. G. In 1715 he taught "above 30 Children with what poor 



« Ibid., II, p. 239. 

• Ibid., Ill, p. 3; Letter-book, A, 8, p. 323. 

10 March 1712 and April 1713. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 196; A, 8, p. 160 ; 
Journal, II, pp. 239, 330. 

"Reported Fen. 27, 1711/12 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 190; Journal, II, p. 
237. The change was made about Nov. 20, 1710, Letter-book, A, 7, p. 197. 

" S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 190; Journal, II, p. 221. 

« S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 197. 

M S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 8, p. 172. Potts began in April, 1712. 

16 Ibid.; also, A, 8, p. 156; also Sec, to Mackenzie, Dec. 18, 1713, ibid.. A, 8, p. 323. 

i» Apr. 10, 1713, ibid.. A, 8, p. 172. 

i' Ibid., A, 9. 10 fol. p. 97; Journal, III, p. 3. 



166 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

have been sent." 18 In October 1715 Miller went to England 
bearing Mackenzie's testimonial of his having served to the satis- 
faction of the people. "He designs," added the missionary, "to 
return to his post early in the spring. . . . Most of the 
Church people here are willing if Soc. agrees that the whole or 
£15 of the £20 allowed for teaching School here be settled on 
the bearer to encourage him to return & settle here. For tho' 
the benefit of £20 divided between the two as at present may 
be more extensive, yet experience proves that £10 with what 
more he can make is not enough to encourage a good school- 
master & this has occasioned a frequent change among them. " w 
In accordance with the proposed change, and upon Mackenzie's 
recommendation of Miller, "the Society resolved to allow £15 
p. a. to a Schoolmaster in Statten Island, & that Mackenzie 
should choose whom he would. " His salary was to begin when 
he commenced work. 20 If Miller ever returned to the Province, 
he did not enter into the service of the S. P. G. With him ended 
the attempt to maintain more than one schoolmaster by means 
of the bounty. 

Following Brown in the south precinct the work had been 
taken up by Charles Taylor who began teaching for the Society 
February 17, 1713/14 in expectation of the former bounty of 
£10. 21 After teaching more than two years on this bounty, and 
being the only S. P. G. schoolmaster on the island Mr. Mackenzie 
advised that he had agreed that Taylor should be allowed the 
increased salary, as previously voted. 22 From 1714, then, until 
his death in May 1742, 23 Taylor continuously served the Society 
on Staten Island. He taught in the south precinct up to 1724 
and then moved to the west precinct. 24 In 1735 he reports that 
he has again kept school "this last half year in the south part of 
Richmond County," 25 from which time any other changes he 
may have made are not recorded. The bounty of the Society 
and tuition fees constituted his income, for on two occasions he 



is S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 92, report dated Apr. 18, 1715. 

is Mackenzie to Sec, October, 1715, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 10, p. 214. 

»o Ibid., A, 11, p. 366. 

« S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 70; Letter-book, A, 10, p. 214. 

« Oct. 29, 1716, S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 269. 

« May 27, 1742, S. P. G. Letter-book, B. 10, p. 83. 

« Ibid., A, 18, p. 185. 

« Ibid., A, 25, p. 55; Journal, VI, p. 269. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Staten Island 167 

reported no other employment than that of schoolmaster; 26 and 
the school occupied his evenings, as well as his days, up to 1725 
at least. 27 If he served as Clerk of the Church, he has not indi- 
cated it in such reports as are now accessible. 

Though Taylor spent twenty-eight years in the school at 
Staten Island, there are but ten reports of his work. He un- 
doubtedly sent many more, which seem not to have been pre- 
served, as nowhere do we find a reprimand for negligence in this 
respect. None of the reports are consecutive, save those for 
each year between 1722 and 1725 inclusive, and for nine years, 
between 1725 and 1735, there is not a single report. Up to 1735 
the enrolment averaged above 40. 28 Afterwards it barely ex- 
ceeded 30, except in September 1739 when it was given as 37. 29 
In 1739, 1740 and 1741 from one-third to one-half of the pupils 
were from the families of dissenters. 30 Previous reports did not 
give the proportions. The specific number taught gratis was 
never mentioned, but those so privileged were usually reported 
as "some" or "several." 

Taylor furnished his own schoolhouse and does not seem to 
have employed an assistant. Other schools were not reported 
by him until 1739. 31 In that year we are told: "One school- 
master teacheth English School at the Northside, Andrew 
White." 32 He further reports that there are "other transient 
Schoolmasters that travel and hire themselves in familys for a 
small time and then go away to other places." 33 In 1741 there 
were two other schools, both being of the Church of England. 34 
It has been already stated that Mr. Taylor taught in the even- 
ings. This can be assumed to hold true, at any rate, of the 
decade 1720-1730, since in his accounts for the period he in- 



»« In 1739 and 1741. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, pt. 2, p. 149; B, 10, p. 107. 

»» S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 16, p. 216; A, 17, p. 220; A, 18, pp. 169, 185. 

" Thirty-eight in 1715, 48 in 1722, 43 in 1723, 42 in 1724, 36 in Sept. 1724, 41 in 
1725, and 42 in 1735. Ibid., A, 10, p. 138; A, 25, p. 55; B, 1, p. 107; and citations 
immediately above. 

» In 1740, it was 31 and in 1741, it was 32. Ibid., B, 7, pt. 2, pp. 149, 151; B, 10, 
p. 107. 

>° Negroes are listed in half of the accounts, their numbers being given as from 2 to 6- 

11 This was because of his first using the Notitia, which included the question among 
others. 

82 Ibid., B, 7, pt. 2, p. 149. He was confused in the name and referred to Andrew 
Wright, soon to become his successor. Moreover it seems certain that there was an- 
other private school at this time. Ibid., B, 10, p. 84. 

« Ibid. 

" Ibid., B, 10, p. 107. One of these was Wright's, and the other was kept by Peter 
Prefontaine, who for several years had "kept a private school, having been regularly 
educated in England. " Ibid., B, 10, p. 84. 



168 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

eludes the following: "I have taught Several of them upon Accot 
of ye Venbie Societys bounty without any other Consideration 
& upon ye same Acc«t I keep night School, for teaching of Ne- 
groes & of such as canot be spared from their work in the day- 
time." 35 

On the death of Mr. Taylor the Church officials sent the fol- 
lowing petition for the appointment of Andrew Wright, one of 
the private schoolmasters: "Mr. Taylor died on the 27th inst. 
His application & endeavours tended much to the advancement 
of piety, catechetical knowledge & the principles of common 
learning among great numbers of poor children, who must other- 
wise have been utterly wanting in these advantages. There are 
many such here now, & the Petiters ask Soc. to continue the 
salary, & recommend Mr. Andrew Wright, an inhabitant of this 
place, & who is thoroughly well qualified. He is an Englishman, 
has lived here sevi years, & bears a good character, has a large 
family, & only a small school to supply it with." 36 The other 
private teacher, Peter Prefontaine, also petitioned to become 
Taylor's successor, 37 but Mr. Wright was given the appoint- 
ment. 38 He was voted the same salary of £15, which the So- 
ciety agreed should begin from September 1742. 39 As in the 
case of the former schoolmaster, Wright received tuition fees 
from a majority of his scholars. His income must have been 
fairly encouraging, for in the first year of his service in the S. P. 
G. school we are told that he "built a schoolhouse at his own 
charge in the midst of a poor neighborhood. " 40 

Since the salary voted Wright was to begin in September 
1742, we may conclude that he had started on his work at that 
time or even before, so that there was not a long break in the 
school as a result of the change. There are very little data con- 
cerning Wright's schoolmastership. He was in charge of the 
school for five years and upwards, in which time there are but 
two reports of his pupils and these are of a brief nature. In 
1746 he wrote as follows: "For the year pass'd I have taught 



" March 8, 1721/2, ibid., A, 16, p. 216; also A, 17, p. 220; A, IS, pp. 169, 185; B„ 
1, p. 107. It cannot be supposed that many availed themselves of the evening work 
though the Negro enrolment is the only data on which to base conclusion. 

»« June 5, 1742, ibid., B, 10, p. 83. 

»' S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 100. 

'a Ibid., Dec. 17, 1742. 

" S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, p. 196. 

*o S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 296. He may have served as Clerk of the Church also. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Staten Island 169 

forty Children most of them very small, and may of them on the 
Honourable Society's account without any other Consideration; 
five of them Cypherers, Twelve Writers, the others Read in their 
Testaments several of them are well acquainted with the Com- 
mon prayer books the Church Catechism, and the Prayers set 
forth in the Venerable Society's Instructions, all which I dili- 
gently Teach." 41 Another letter dated October 20, 1747, ac- 
quainted the Society that he was teaching "42 Children to read 
and to repeat the Church Catechism" and that 14 of them were 
learning to write and 4 to cipher. 42 News of Wright's death 
reached the society in July 1748, 43 but the letter announcing it 
is marked "undated" in the S. P. G. Journal, and it is impossible 
to know definitely when the school came to an end. However, 
since a successor had been provided by March 1748, and Wright 
had reported on the school as late as the October preceding, there 
was probably only a short interval of delay. 

The next schoolmaster was Nicholas Barrington, whose first 
work in the school was thus announced by the minister of the 
parish: "The Decency & Seriousness of my Catechumens in 
their Devotion has already had an happy Effect even upon the 
Elder, who labour under the Infelicity of not having a like early 
Instruction. And I hope wth Gods blessing that ye rising Gener- 
ation will have a more lively sense of their Duty & keep clear of 
yt Slovenly behaviour too prevalent in most Country places, 
during the time of Divine Worship; anor Advantage arising 
from this Lecture, is the Introducing of Psalmody wch now is 
carried on wth a far greater Decency than wn I first settled upon 
the Island for this I am greatly indebted to Mr. Nichs Barring- 
ton, A Sober, diligent & a capable Schoolmaster who began to 
Teach the Youth last March, upon Promise of my Recommend- 
ing him to the Society, & in humble hopes of their taking him 
into their service: his previous Instruction greatly promotes my 
Design and I most humbly entreat the Society may grant him 
such a Salary as may induce him to stay amongst us." 44 In 
adopting the recommendation above, the salary was reduced 



" Nov. 10, 1746, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 14, p. 141. 

« S. P. G. Journal, XI, p. 10. 

« Ibid., p. 38. 

« Rev. Richard Charlton to Sec, Oct. 5, 1748, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 16, p. 48' 



170 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

to £10 per annum, 45 which with the tuition fees made up Bar- 
rington's income from the school. We learn definitely that Bar- 
rington also acted as Clerk of the Church during the entire time 
he was schoolmaster. 46 But even with any additions that this 
office could bring Barrington was dissatisfied with his emoluments 
and represented them as entirely inadequate. 47 

On several occasions Barrington's work was commended by 
Rev. Mr. Charlton, the minister of the Church of England, who 
reported that blacks as well as whites attended his school and 
were instructed with no small pains. 48 There is, though, but one 
meagre report from him to the S. P. G. 49 This does not give his 
enrolment. In it he states that he has taught nine poor children 
on the Society's bounty and in a few days expects four more. 
Besides this he was teaching upwards of twenty Negroes at 
times. 50 He probably made use of the schoolhouse formerly 
built by Wright, although there is no certainity of this. In the 
fall of 1752 Barrington left the school and went to New York to 
open a private school. 51 

Mr. Thomas Price was appointed to succeed Barrington with 
the same salary of £10, 52 which was "to commence from Michael- 
mas last, if it should appear by Certificate . . . that he hath 
taught the School & behaved well from that time." 53 Price 
opened the school about March, 1753 51 and had charge of it 
until about April, 1760. 55 No details of the work of this school- 



< 5 April 21, 1749, S. P. G. Journal, XI, p. 120. By this resolution his salary was to 
date from March 25, 1749, but the 1748 salary was voted to him later. Ibid., XII, 
p. 163. 

« S. P. G. Letter-book, ibid., B, 20, p. 73. This record makes it very probable 
that both Taylor and Wright before him were also clerks. 

« Ibid. 

«s March 26, 1750, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 18, p. 115; see also B, 19, p. 85; also B, 
20, p. 73, being a testimonial from townspeople. 

<» For March 26, 1750, ibid., B, 18, p. 117. 

" Ibid. 

11 He gave up the Staten Island school about September 26, 1752, ibid., B, 20, p. 
73. The following is an excerpt from a printed notice of Barrington's venture in 
New York City, which he started on the above date: "Nicholas Barrington lately 
mov'd to this City, has open'd a School near St. George's Chapel, in Beekman's 
Street, and teaches Reading Writing, and Arithmetick, both vulgar and decimal, 
as also Navigation and Merchants Accounts, where good Attendance will be given 
at the usual Hours. N. B. has begun his Evening School and intends to teach Youths 
to sing Psalms, Also recites for Gentlemen between Schools, Bills, Bonds, Inden- 
tures, Leases, Deeds of Sale, Wills, &c. at very reasonable Rates. " This notice was 
attached to one of Barrington's letters to the Society, ibid. For newspaper notices 
of Barrington's private school, see New York Mercury, May 19 and Dec. 29, 1755. 

" Apr. 19, 1753, S. P. G. Journal, XII, p. 247. Though Gov. Clinton and Rev. 
Mr. Charlton requested a salary of £15 for Price, no advance was made. Ibid.; 
also Letter-book, B, 20, p. 71. 

« Sec. to Charlton, Aug. 1, 1753, ibid., B, 20, p. 38. 

" Price to Society, S. P. G. Journal, XII, p. 379. 

" Charlton to Society on Apr. 10, 1760 reported that Price had a severe attack oj 
smallpox, ibid., XV, p. 4. His death followed on the 13th of May, Letter-book, B, 
3, p. 61. He drew for salary to March 29, ibid. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Staten Island 171 

master can be given beyond the fact that he was frequently com- 
mended by Mr. Charlton for his diligence in the school and in 
behalf of the Church's Negro catechumens. 56 Regarding the 
loss of the schoolmaster's assistance to him, Mr. Charlton re- 
ported: "The want of his assistance for the present season will 
be a sensible loss to my Catechumens, especially the Negroes, 
whose improvements in Psalmody must meet with a considerable 
check, and what is yet worse I have it not in my power to pitch 
upon one of suitable morals and Capacity, that I can recommend 
to the Venerable Society, as his Successor." 67 

In the following December a satisfactory candidate had been 
found and installed in the school. In his behalf Mr. Charlton 
sent the following recommendation: "I have now the great 
satisfaction of most humbly requesting an appoints for Mr. John 
Watts, mentioned in mine of ye 21st of June last, to succeed 
Mr. Price as Society Schoolmaster in this* Island. His known 
Qualifications make me very desirous of having him an instruc- 
tor of both Setts of my Catechumens. As such men are not 
easily met with I must entreat y r interest to have the former 
salary increased, which may be an inducement to a person 
duely qualified to accept of the place and continue in the Servis; 
and it must be a great misfortune to the imployed that when 
the Expences of living increase, Salaries do not in proportion 
rise; however this is most humbly submitted to the Charitable 
Society. He has promised to open School next Monday." 58 
John Watts was, therefore, appointed by the Society at the 
former salary in April 1761. B9 Before the formal appointment 
could be made, however, he had quitted the work, and another 
suitable person was not found until 1763. 60 In March of that 
year Tunis Egberts was appointed by Mr. Charlton and forth- 
with entered upon his duties. 61 In the interval the Society had 
agreed that the salary should be increased to £15 a year. 62 Be- 
tween 1763 and 1776 various testimonials and reports were sent 



"S. P. G. Journal, XIII, pp. 185, 241, 285; XIV, pp. 106, 268 Letter-book, B, 
3, p. 61. 

" S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 61, June 21, 1760. 

68 Dec. 13, 1760, ibid., B, 3, p. 62. Watts, said Charlton, had been lately a School- 
master in Staten Island. Ibid., B, 3, p. 61. 

'» S. P. G. Journal, XV. p. 77. 

•o See letters of 1761 and 1762, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 64, 68. 

•» March 15, 1763, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 70. 

« Feb. 19, 1762, S. P. G. Journal, XV, p. 190. 



172 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

by Charlton and Egbert which indicate a faithful performance of 
duty on the part of the schoolmaster. Other than this they gave 
no information regarding the school. Whether his service con- 
tinued after 1776 is not known. As in the case of Wetmore of 
Rye, it seems that his name was retained in the list of school- 
masters during the period of the Revolution and after the school 
had disbanded. Finally on March 21, 1783, the Society ordered 
that Tunis Egberts, schoolmaster on Staten Island, be left out of 
the next Abstract. 63 

In 1773 Mr. Charlton mentioned a schoolmaster from "about 
2 miles off," who had greatly aided him and had also assisted 
Mr. Egberts. For this person Charlton desired some recogni- 
tion from the Society. 64 Indefinite as such information is, it is 
the only notice to be found indicating that assistants were ever 
employed for the Staten Island school. The presumption is 
that they were not and that the one exception represents a tem- 
porary arrangement of short duration. 

Such books as were intended for the school were forwarded 
to the missionaries on a few occasions. Packets of prayer-books 
were ordered sent in 1709 and 1711, 65 and again in 1747 and 
1749 packets of books included upwards of 300 catechisms. 66 
Furthermore, books for school use may have been included in the 
regular £5 gift of books allowed each missionary. Primers were 
not requested and were not sent, being supplied doubtless by the 
parents of the children. 

That the S. P. G. should have tolerated the inadequate re- 
ports from these schools for the thirty and more years is peculiar, 
in view of the resentment of such neglect in other places. It is, 
of course, possible that protests were made, but, in any case, 
they are not now to be found. It may have been that, because 
of the Society's very high opinion of Rev. Mr. Charlton, it was 
felt sufficient to receive his favorable confirmation of the progress 
of the school, even though the method did not adhere to the 
standing rules. 



" Ibid., XXIII, p. 66. 

" Oct. 15, 1773, ibid., XX, pp. 38-9. 

« Ibid., I, p. (207); II, p. 33. 

«« Ibid., X. p. 323; XI, p. 119; Letter-book, B, 17, p. 199a. 



CHAPTER IX 

THE SOCIETY'S SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS ON LONG 

ISLAND 

The Schools in Hempstead Parish 

Rev. John Thomas became the S. P. G. missionary for Hemp- 
stead in 1704. He thus described conditions which had to be 
contended with in the beginning of his work: "My parish con- 
sists of a large Tract of Ground, the Inhabitants much scattered, 
visiting of them often necessarily requisite. I wish with all my 
heart the Honbie Society were truly informed, how much care & 
Industry is necessary to be bestowed to rescue them from their 
degeneracy into Atheism & Infidelity & Corruption in Morals 
& good manners long since contracted. To convert a heathen 
to Christianity is a very good & pious work, but to reconcile the 
English, in a great measure sunk into paganism & Infidelity, to 
the principles of the Christian faith, is with humble submission, 
I imagine, a far worthier employment, especially since I find the 
one feasible & practicable, the other morally impossible, for our 
Indians are wholly given up to drink & Sottishness, Rum & strong 
liquor being the only Deities they now care or are solicitious to 
worship. This was the state of my Parish before my Settle- 
ment here; by the people's own confession, Quakerism & pagan- 
ism triumphing as Conquerors for some years past." 1 As soon 
as possible he took steps to establish a school without calling on 
the Society for assistance. Concerning his early efforts he wrote 
the Secretary in 1707 as follows: "I have raised a School in ye 
Towne since my coming and allow towards it in Conjunction 
with ye Inhitants £20 a year. Wee are now a building a School 
house and settling a piece of Land upon it, which I have Con- 
tributed unto, a good precedent of that nature I presume is the 
most moving Rhetorick I can use to persuade those whose In- 



» June 12, 1709, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 4. 

173 



174 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

tellectuals are so mean and earthly that they cannot discern the 
Advantage worth, and Excellency of education for their Chil- 
dren's present and future wellfare. In vain I preach to them the 
Superstructures of Christianity when they are destitute of the 
Ground works and Fundamentals of Religion by Educacon. I 
have bought Catechisms to give away among the Children and 
hope in some time to have a set of Catechumens. " 2 The venture 
lasted for a short time and had to be disbanded for reasons thus 
set forth by Mr. Thomas: "You desire an Account of the State 
of our Schools; Wee had a Schoolmaster settled among us for 
two years & a half, now we are destitute, the people being utterly 
weary of the Subscription I had engaged them in; I hope in 
God's due time to induce them to settle another; I shall not be 
wanting to contribute towards it both by purse & persuasion as 
heretofore. " 3 

In 1712 representation was made to the Society that 
the school could not be resumed without assistance. 4 An 
allowance of £8 or £10 was asked for, which, being united with 
the office of Clerk of the Church, and with what the townspeople 
could add, it was felt would be sufficient. 6 A salary of £10 per 
annum was accordingly allowed, when a proper schoolmaster 
should be found. 6 On December 1, 1713 the school was started 
with Thomas Gildersleve as schoolmaster. 7 Gildersleve had been 
Clerk of the Church since the arrival of Mr. Thomas at Hemp- 
stead, 8 and recommendations sent by the inhabitants declared 
him to be "a good man, and qualified to teach the necessary sub- 
jects of reading & writing English, and the Rudiments of Arith- 
metic." 9 With the fixed salary and the occasional perquisites 
belonging to the office of Clerk, Gildersleve received additional 
assistance from the fees of those children who were able to pay. 
His fee in 1728 was, we learn, "five shillings per Quarter for 



» Apr. 22, 1707, ibid.. A, 3, p. 67. The schoolmaster was Alexander Beard of whom 
Huddleston spoke in his reports of 1708. Seep. 77. 
« June 12, 1709, ibid.. A, 5, p. 4. 

* The chief reason given was that the people were distant from one another and 
too poor to board out their children. Ibid., A, 9, p. 162. 

» Thomas to Society in behalf of the people, Feb. 20, 1711-12, ibid.. A, 7, p. 141. 
« Oct. 10, 1712, S. P. G. Journal. II, p. 232 ; Letter-book, A, 7, p. 274. 
» S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 162. 

* S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 47. He served gratis, according to Thomas, up to the 
beginning of the school and probably continued without salary. 

* S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 162. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 175 

each Scholar" 10 which is about the tuition rate noted elsewhere. 11 
Other than these fees he had no benefactions from the town. 12 

Though Mr. Gildersleve was schoolmaster for about 26 years 
there are almost no details of his school. In 1714 he was teach- 
ing many poor children gratis. 13 In 1717 and 1718 he reported 
that the school was "Very full." 14 Finally in 1729 he gave the 
following information: "My School has been for the most part 
of thirty & sometimes forty scholars, sum reeders sum Righters 
and sum sypherers. " 15 Since he probably saw fit to specify the 
number enrolled on this one occasion it may be doubted if he 
had even thirty pupils as a rule. At least half of them were 
very poor and taught gratis, as he affirmed. 16 

Gildersleve was clearly inefficient as a teacher. His recom- 
mendation in the first place was not made on any ground of 
competency previously shown, but was rather based on the fact 
that he was an exceptionally zealous assistant to Mr. Thomas 
in the pioneer work of getting the Church organized. 17 When 
a change of missionaries occurred, an attempt was made to have 
Gildersleve removed, which the people had hesitated to do be- 
fore, because of their kindly feeling for Mr. Thomas. In 1728 
a number of the inhabitants petitioned Rev. Mr. Jenney to ad- 
vise a change of schoolmaster. They said: "It is Notorious 
Sr, that Mr. Gildersleve being in the Post has been a very great 
Detriment to the Town by hindring a Person qualified for it 
from coming; in which he has been a great hindrance to our 
Youth and a Lett to the Groweth of Religion. " 18 He was further 
charged with keeping school in the summer only, when the sons 
of poor parents could not be spared from the farms; and with 
general incapacity as a teacher, 19 which his letters confirm. The 
affair was submitted to the Society by Mr. Jenney, after which 



i° Ibid., A, 21, p. 339. 

11 See p. 156. But with his paying scholars and the Society' sbounty the school 
was "scarcely a Competency." S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 162. 
" Ibid. 
i» Ibid.,. 

" Ibid., A. 13, p. 368; Journal III, p. 399. 
" Dec. 1, 1729, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 47. 
i« Ibid. 

17 "Prom a rigid Dissenter he is become a zealous Ch. man," wrote Thomas. 
S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 193. He was recommended because of his great pretences of 
being a Churchman, declared the inhabitants to Rev. Robt. Jenney, Thomas' suc- 
cessor. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 22, p. 57. 

18 June 7, 1728, ibid.. A, 21, p. 387. 
» Ibid., A, 21, p. 323. 



176 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

two schoolmasters of the town were urged as the successor. 20 In 
answer to the Society's letter Gildersleve acknowledged that 
his age and infirmities made him less capable in the school. The 
severe winters and the poor condition of the schoolhouse, which 
was not kept in repair, were responsible for his neglect, he ex- 
plained. 21 Doubtless fearing dismissal, he proffered his resig- 
nation. 22 No action was taken on it by the Society, nor on the 
petitions for a successor. Gildersleve therefore remained at his 
post until his death, 23 to the certain detriment of the school. 24 
Regrettable as this must have been, however, the fact remains 
that the Society's school offered the best opportunity for regular 
schooling which the town afforded in that period. "There is 
nothing more unconstant than schools here, " wrote Mr. Jenney, 
" Excepting those from the Honbie Society. The Usual Custome 
is for a Set of Neighbors to Engage a Schoolmaster for one year: 
'tis Seldom yt they keep ye same longer and often they are with- 
out for Several years." 25 Soon after the death of Gildersleve, 
Thomas Temple was installed in the school 26 and, on the 
joint recommendation of the missionary and the parishoners he 
was voted the former salary of £10 which was to commence from 
midsummer 1739. 27 

Temple's school was not large. The first available report 
showed an enrolment of 26. 28 The next summer he had 20 and 
a year later there were 32. 29 In January 1744 there were 27 
while the two following reports sent in the summer of 1744 and 
1746 showed but 14 and 18 respectively. 30 In December 1746 



50 Gerhardius Clowes, vouched for by a long list of the inhabitants; and John 
Young, endorsed by Mr. Jenney. Each party opposed the other candidate. Ibid., 
A, 22, p. 54; B, 1, p. 45. 

J1 This is the only reference to a schoolhouse by the Society's schoolmasters in Hemp- 
stead. It was probably the town schoolhouse built as early as 1705, if not before, 
and used by Gildersleve and his successor. The S. P. G. Abstracts for 1905 report 
that Hempstead has built a schoolhouse. Pratt (op. cit., p. 94) quotes from the town 
records of Dec. 12, 1709 the following: "The school house is let to Isaac Jarmin for a 
year except the leanto which is reserved for the use of the school at any time when a 
schoolmaster presents, for £4-18 to be pd the church wardens; and if the town shall 
hire a schoolmaster, then he shall go forth of said house at a quarter's warning." 

" Nov. 22, 1729, ibid., B, 1, p. 48; Dec. 27, 1729, ibid., A, 22, p. 53. 

" Midsummer, 1739. S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 172. 

54 The failure of the S. P. G. to change Gildersleve seems accountable only on the 
ground of the strong objections raised to the two candidates proposed. 

» June 27, 1728, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 21, p. 339. Quoted in Moore, Hist, of 
St. George's Church, Hempstead, p. 58. 

" S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 172. 

" Temple therefore probably took up the school at about that time. Ibid. Ac- 
cording to his Notitiae he was not made Clerk. 

» Dec. 14, 1741, S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 34. 

» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, p. 91 ; B, 13, p. 243. 

»° Ibid., B, 13, p. 243; B, 13, p. 245; Journal, X, p. 172. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 177 

he reported that the school was "less frequented." 31 This was 
owing to the opposition of dissenters, for one reason, and to his 
own infirmities for another. 32 Nearly half of the pupils were the 
children of dissenters. 33 Of those taught gratis there were from 
four to six of the white children, besides two or more Negroes, 
and an Indian. For the accommodation of pupils who could not 
attend during the day Temple started a night school during the 
winter of 1741-42, if not before. At that time the night pupils 
were ten in number. 34 Though specific mention of such work 
was not thereafter made, the fact that he reported eight hours 
daily attendance on the school 35 may perhaps be fairly good 
evidence of it. 36 

In 1747 the Society empowered Temple, in view of his phys- 
ical condition, to employ an assistant. 37 It does not seem to 
have been done, since the school declined so much that Rev. 
Samuel Seabury, reporting in 1748, said of it: "Mr. Temple's 
school hath been quite broke up for the full space of a year, 
Nor has he offered me any Notitia Scholastica for more than 
two years past." 38 Out of extreme compassion the Society 
patiently tolerated the distressing conditions, again acquainting 
both Mr. Seabury and the schoolmaster that an assistant should 
be procured. 39 Apparently the request continued to be un- 
heeded. 40 After waiting until 1753 for promised improvement 
in the situation at Hempstead, the Society dismissed Temple, 41 
and gave no further support to the school within the town. 
What effect this withdrawal of bounty had is not known. Evi- 
dently no subsequent appeals were made to the S. P. G. 



« S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 14, p. 135. 

" By 1744 the dissenters were encouraging a school three miles from Temple's and 
during that year a second one had been set up. Ibid., B, 13, pp. 243, 245. In 1746 
he was severely injured by falling from a horse, and it brought on deafness. Ibid., 
B, 14, p. 135. 

38 At least through 1744, after which the proportion was not given. 

m S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, p. 91. 

" Ibid., B, 13, pp. 243, 245; Journal X, p. 172. 

« Six hours being the customary length of the day school, he probably taught for 
two hours in the evenings. 

«' S. P. G. Journal, X, p. 254. 

»« Letter to the Sec, March 25, 1748. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 14, p. 135. 

» July 15, 1748, S. P. G. Journal, X, p. 40. 

" It does not seem tenable to suppose that both of these proffers failed to reach 
Hempstead; and if satisfactory assistance were not to be found, it would be reasonable 
to expect word to be sent the S. P. G. to that effect. There are two letters from 
Temple thereafter, but neither refer to the matter at all. 

« Apr. 19, 1753, S. P. G. Journal, XII, p. 248. 



178 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

In 1768 the Society's help was again sought for a school with- 
out the town. On behalf of this section the missionary, Rev. 
Leonard Cutting, wrote as follows: "To the South of Hemp- 
stead for severall Miles are great Numbers of Inhabitants, in 
general in very indigent Circumstances; they say they cannot 
procure Conveniences to come so far to Church. I frequently 
on Week Days go amongst them to officiate; I find large Num- 
bers of them assembled : they appear glad of my Services & will- 
ing to be instructed but are totally illiterate, great Part of them 
not being able to read; nor have they Abilities, or opportunity 
to get their Children instructed; a School there would be a real 
Blessing." 42 Mr. Cutting was informed that he had liberty to 
employ a teacher if a worthy man could be procured, 43 to which 
he replied: "You was pleased to inform me Sr that the Society, 
in Compassion to the Situation of the People, to the South of 
Hempstead, had generously determined to endeavour to draw 
them from Darkness and Ignorance, by kindly assisting them 
to procure Instruction for themselves and Children. The be- 
nevolent Intentions of that venerable Board, I immediately 
communicated to proper Persons but as the Season was some- 
thing advanced before I received your Commands, nothing of 
effectual can I fear be done till towards Spring. They are how- 
ever raising Money by Subscription to build a Schoolhouse, and 
as soon as the weather will permit, we shall endeavour to fix 
upon the most proper Place for it." 44 In 1769 Mr. Cutting 
found a properly qualified person and the school was opened in 
the new building. 

The following information was sent to London concerning the 
schoolmaster: "His name is William Leahy, born in Ireland, 
but has been an Inhabitant in New York many Years; he 
marryed there & has a Family; He was formerly engaged in 
Trade, but a Series of 111 Success, obliged him to decline Busi- 
ness. Since that he has kept School in different Places, with a 
good character. On hearing of Encouragement from the So- 
ciety, He presented himself here; and was willing to undertake 
it, and Wait for farther Orders from that Venerable Board. 
The People appear very Thankfull for the favour that is con- 



" Jan. 7, 1768, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 143. 
«* Apr. 15, 1768, S. P. G. Journal, XVII, p. 488. 
« Dec. 28, 1768, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 144. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 179 

ferred on them, And I am in Hopes they will act in such a manner 
as to answer the Intention and deserve in some Measure the 
Bounty of the Society. As the Society has been pleased to con- 
firm the appointment of a Master I think it necessary to inform 
you Sr that the School was opened on the 22d of June last." 45 
A salary of £10 was thereupon conferred on Mr. Leahy by the 
Society 46 to which about £10 sterling was added by means of 
tuition fees. 47 

"The Schoolmaster," it was reported, "is much liked in the 
Neighbourhood and is generally praised for his Sobriety Dili- 
gence, and carefull attendance on the children under his Care. 
He has indeed one Difficulty to Struggle with, and that is the 
Humour of the Parents, who unacquainted with the proper 
Regulation of a School, and unused to restrain their Children 
themselves, do not sufficiently attend to the Necessity of a de- 
cent Subjection; But I am in Hopes this will soon be overcome; 
and that by prudent Management, the School will answer the 
Charitable Designs of the Society. But few can take advantage 
of the Charity during the Severity of the Winter as their Cir- 
cumstances will not permit them to furnish their Children with 
proper Cloathing to Support the Inclemency of the Weather; 
but as the intense cold is not of long continuance it will but little 
retard their Progress; every School in the Country is extremely 
thin, for two Months in the Winter. " 48 Mr. Leahy did not give 
the number of his pupils, but he did report that he taught 
"twelve poor children entirely at Society's bounty." 49 After 
struggling with an inadequate income for himself and large fam- 
ily for above a year, Leahy gave up the school. 50 To explain his 
sudden departure, Mr. Cutting announced: "I am sorry to in- 
form you that Mr. William Leahy whom the Society had been 
pleased to appoint as their Schoolmaster, to the South of Hemp- 
stead, has resigned the School — He was in Esteem amongst the 
People, and his Character unexceptionable. But he had a large 
family of young Children; and an infirm Sickly wife; the Bounty 
therefore of the Society, with what he got from the People were 



" August 23, 1769, ibid., B, 2, p. 145. 

" Dec. 15, 1769, S. P. G. Journal, XVIII, p. 260. 

« S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 213. 

« Jan. 22, 1770, ibid., B, 2, p. 146. 

« Ibid., B, 3, pp. 212, 213. 

" In Sept. 1770, ibid., B, 2, p. 147; B, 3, p. 214. 



180 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

not sufficient to supply him and his helpless family, with the 
common Necessaries of Life, Several of which he was to my 
Knowledge sometimes destitute of. And as a good School to 
the North of the Plains of Hempstead amongst some Wealthy 
Farmers, unexpectedly presented, his Circumstances obliged him 
to embrace the opportunity immediately, as he had not above 
twenty four Hours to consider." 51 

The school was left without a regular teacher for two years 
before Mr. Cutting could find a proper person to recommend. 
Meanwhile opponents of the Church attempted to open the 
school, their behaviour being thus described: "The School at 
South is now vacant, as no proper Person has offered we have been 
retaxed in our Enquiries, by the ungenerous Behaviour of a few 
of the Inhabitants there; who from a Party Spirit have thrown a 
temporary Obstacle in our Way. They are disaffected to the 
Church, and though they acknowledge the Advantage, & Gen- 
erosity of the Society's Donation; Want to have the Manage- 
ment in their own Hands to Answer their Purpose. Accordingly 
some Time after the Departure of Mr. Leahy, though the School 
House was built entirely by the Labour, and at the Expence of 
the Friends of the Church, they without consulting any proper 
Person privately thrust a Man into the School ; in Hopes of his 
Obtaining the Bounty and did send a Petition to me, to recom- 
mend him to the Society. This I could take no notice of, as I 
knew him to be very unfit for the Care of the Children, and by 
no Means qualified for the Favour, of that venerable Board. 
The poor who felt the Advantage in Mr. Leahy's Time have 
made frequent Complaints to me, but as the present Master is 
employed but by few, and approved of by fewer He cannot sub- 
sist there without the Bounty of the Society of which he is totally 
unworthy; He must therefore soon quitt and I hope if a proper 
Person offers I may be allowed to admit him, With the same En- 
couragement the Society was pleased to grant to Mr. Leahy as 
I am convinced it will be of real Service to the People, to the 
Church, and to Religion in general." 52 The person "admitted" 
was John Leffert, "a Young Widower without Children, A Sober 
well disposed Man & a Church-man from Principle." 53 He 



" Ibid., B, 2, p. 147. 

" Mr. Cutting to Sec, Jan. 8. 1772, ibid., B, 2, p. 148. 

"Ibid., B. 2, p. 149. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 181 

opened the school in September 1773, 54 continued a quarter in 
it, then, meeting with opposition, left it. 55 After the beginning 
of the war Mr. Cutting said of the school: "I cannot now by 
any means attempt to supply it with a proper person, the care- 
lessness of the Inhabitants of South has discouraged me." 56 

During the war Hempstead was made headquarters for troops 
and the school buildings were made use of. Schools were there- 
fore "to no purpose." 57 The following from the Society's pro- 
ceedings shows the final action taken in behalf of Hempstead: 
"Mr. Cutting flatters himself he now has an opportunity of sup- 
plying the long vacant school at Hempstead with advantage. 
Mr. Wetmore (son of the Rev. Wetmore formerly missionary at 
Rye, bred to the law & of an unexceptionable character) having 
been driven from his estate & practice, & all his property being 
in the hands of the Rebels, has, for some time, been very dis- 
agreeably circumstanced, within the King's lines. He is now 
reduced to keep a small school in the country, & struggles with 
great difficulties. If nothing more advantageous offers (which 
at present seems little likely) he would be extremely happy to 
serve the Society in that Capacity & Mr. Cutting is convinced 
the Church & people would reap considerable benefit from his 
service or if, unexpectedly, this Mr. Timothy Wetmore should 
be otherwise provided for, there are 2 or 3 other worthy & well 
qualified refugees, who would rejoice in such an appointment. 
Mr. Cutting will be glad to receive the Society's commands on 
this subject as soon as may be, it being of the utmost consequence 
in these parts & these times that education should not be wholly 
neglected. Agreed that as Mr. James Wetmore is at present in 
the Society's service, and was by his last letter destitute of a 
school, it will be proper to offer the school at Hempstead to him; 
but in case he is provided that Mr. Timothy Wetmore may be 
appointed." 58 

The S. P. G. records for the town of Hempstead show that 
between 1709 and 1747 ten or more packets of books were given 



" Ibid. 

" Ibid., B, 2, p. 150. 

« Ibid. 

« Ibid., B, 2, p. 153. 

'* Apr. 20, 1781, S. P. G. Journal, XXII, pp. 230-1. Evidently nothing was ever done 
as a result of the Society's decision. The two Wetmores mentioned were the persons 
formerly included among the S. P. G. schoolmasters. 



182 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

by the Society to the church and the school. 59 In these packets 
there were many doctrinal tracts but most of the books by far 
were prayer books, catechisms, and expositions thereof. More 
than half of them were designed for the school. Once, inl718, 
a set of 50 A B C. primers was forwarded. 60 In the ensuing 
year a special consignment for the use of the school was included 
in the packet, 61 some part of which may have been of a non- 
doctrinal nature. Any books sent after 1747 are not a matter 
of record at the present time, and, presumably, they were not 
sent. 

Secondary education was offered in the town of Hempstead 
by two of the Society's missionaries. Rev. Samuel Seabury, 
1742-1764, kept a Grammar school in the town during the years 
of his pastorate. 62 In 1762 the following notice appeared in one 
of the New York papers: 63 

"A Card — The Rev. Mr. Samuel Seabury, of Hempstead, in order to en- 
large his school, had engaged a young gentleman as usher, who is candidate 
for orders. Mr. S. will entertain young gentlemen at his own house in a 
genteel manner at £30 per year, schooling, washing and wood for school-fire 
included. " 

Elsewhere we learn that "this school obtained much repute, 
and its advantages were appreciated by many of the principal 
families of New York City and all over Queens County. " 64 Rev. 
Leonard Cutting who succeeded Mr. Seabury continued the 
Grammar school. Mr. Cutting was educated at Eton and Cam- 
bridge, and had acted as a "public Tutor" at King's College. 66 
He had begun his service to the Society as a missionary at New 
Brunswick, New Jersey, and had, in addition to ecclesiastical 
functions, attempted a Grammar school there, which was not 
successful. In 1766 he was transferred to Hempstead, 66 and 
while yet in New Brunswick wrote the Secretary, saying: "I 
have great Expectation of a good Latin School at Hemp- 



s' Ibid., I, p. 195; III, pp. 71, 399; IV, p. 179; V, pp. 121, 229; IX, pp. 72, 207; 
X, p. 226; Letter-book, A, 13, p. 477; A, 16, p. 260. The full amount was about 650 
separate books and pamphlets besides three or more instances where amounts were 
not specified. 

« S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 433; Journal, III, p. 399. 

" S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 477. 

" Ibid., B, 24, p. 292. 

■•» New York Mercury, March 27, 1762. 

** Moore, Hist, of St. George's Church, Hempstead, p. 103. 

•» Commissary Barclay to Sec, July 22, 1763. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 52. 

«• Ibid., B, 24, p. 296. He was missionary there from 1766 to 1782. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 183 

stead." 67 In 1775 he referred to the school, on which he was 
quite dependent for properly supporting his family. 68 The 
school was once more mentioned in his letter of December 28, 
1779, from which the following has been entered in the S. P. G. 
proceedings: "His prospects are still gloomy, for, as Hempstead 
will probably still be the winter-quarters for the Light Horse, 
their distress must needs increase every year. Several of the 
inhabitants are going to remove, as they can enjoy neither their 
houses, barns, nor farms. His house indeed by the kindness of 
the commanding officer, is at present free from billets; but the 
exhorbitant price of provisions, & the village being occupied by 
troops, prevent gentleman's children being sent thither as usual 
for education: consequently his school, which was a great help 
to him, must diminish. If this school should continue to di- 
minish, as it is to be expected it will, he is afraid he shall no 
longer be able to subsist, where he now is, but must retire to his 
glebe. But this will be his last resource." 69 From the above 
facts it is seen that the Society was indirectly instrumental in 
providing Hempstead with opportunity for secondary instruc- 
tion for a period covering possibly more than thirty-five years. 

A school under the auspices of the S. P. G. was opened at 
Oyster Bay in 1727. For the work Mr. Daniel Denton was 
recommended by Rev. Mr. Jenney as a person "well qualified 
as to reading writing & Arithmetick, " who "makes Divinity 
ye main reading, " and who was desirous to be engaged either as 
schoolmaster or catechist. 70 With the Society's assurance of 
an allowance of £10 per year as schoolmaster for Oyster Bay, 71 
Denton set up his school in the following January. Strong op- 
position on the part of some of the people attended this venture 
from the very beginning, and it proved a decided handicap to 
Denton. 72 The cause of the trouble was explained in part of 
the following document, which was forwarded to the London 
office: 



"July 26, 1766, ibid. 

" S. P. G. Journal XX, p. 327. 

«» Ibid., XXII. p. 112. 

»• Jenney to Sec, July 1, 1726, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 19, p. 167. 

" Sept. 16, 1726, S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 100. 

•» Denton to Sec, March 26, 1727, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 20, p. 179. 



184 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

"These may Certifie the Honourable Society for Propagating the Gospel &c. 
That when Daniel Denton first came into Oyster bay to keep School he 
met with a Violent opposition grounded on these Reasons. 

That the Rev. Mr. Jenney should endeavour to Settle a Schoolmaster in 
the Town without their consent, but we do verily believe that the cause of 
the difference and opposition that the said Denton met with in his coming 
in the town is in a great Measure made up, and we do desire that the said 
Denton may be continued in the said Town of Oyster bay Schoolmaster and 
we do verily believe that for the future he will meet with great encouragement 
and be of great use and Service to the Town. 
Witness our hands in Oyster bay 17th January 1729. 

Joseph White Townsend, 
Peter Underhill, 
Thoms Underhill." 75 

The differences were not smoothed over, however, and Denton 
was unable to secure enough income through tuition to support 
his family. 74 This forced him to resort to other means and in 
consequence he seriously neglected the school. Severe com- 
plaints were entered against him in 1731, and, after an inquiry 
conducted for the Society by Commissary Vesey and Rev. Mr. 
Jenney, Denton was dismissed from the school. 75 

The school enrolled, according to Denton's reports, 30 for the 
year 1727 and 29 for the next two years. 76 These were not in 
constant attendance as he later admitted, 77 and Jenney, on 
visiting the school in December 1727, found only 20 present. 78 
Denton found his own schoolhouse being "obliged to teach two 
for a House to teach in." 79 

The Society appointed Thomas Keble as Denton's successor, 
most of the people of the town having signed a petition in his 
favor. 80 The new schoolmaster had kept school for nineteen 
years at various places in Hempstead parish and, when chosen, 
was so engaged in Oyster Bay. 81 He was, "A sober industrious 
man, beloved & respected in the Townspot, even tho' the people 
were of different opinions in Religion." 82 As in the case of 
Denton his income was derived from tuition fees and the usual 



" Ibid., A, 22, p. 68. But the antagonism of dissenters may have also had a hand 
in the affair. 

74 Ibid., A, 22, p. 66. In 1729 he offered to teach " all who came if he could be given 
£24 per annum, but he could not get near that sum. " S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 41. 

" June 12, 1732. S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 41. 

'« S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 20, pp. 179, 205; A, 21, p. 363; A, 22, p. 65. 

" S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 41. 

" S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 20. p. 205. 

'» Ibid., A, 22, p. 67. 

s° S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 41. 

s 1 He was teaching "in the schoolhouse near the Church at the time of his ap- 
pointment." Ibid. 

« Ibid. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 185 

salary of £10. 83 But he had use of the town schoolhouse, 84 and 
nearly all of his children were able to or did pay "a small con- 
sideration," 85 so that his condition was somewhat more satis- 
factory than was that of neighboring schoolmasters. 86 

Keble began his service for the Society about the end of 1732, 
the exact time not being given. There are yearly reports of this 
work from 1733 to 1744 save for three years, 1736 to 1738 in- 
clusive. His enrolment ranged from 19 to 37, the average being 
26. 87 Attendance in the winter was usually 20 or less. 88 Of his 
pupils four or five only were taught free. Up to 1735 all the 
white children paid something, and four freed Negroes were al- 
lowed gratis. After this date Negroes did not attend. 89 In 
1734 Keble reported that he had given public notice of his in- 
tention to teach "free negroes and poor gratis," 90 yet the pro- 
portion thus privileged remained the same. As regards the re- 
ligious grouping of the children, the reports were vague. While 
dissenters patronized the school, most of the children were from 
families more or less identified with the Church of England. 91 
In the last report of 1744 he was more specific and showed that 
7 of his 29 pupils were dissenters and 8 of them were Dutch. 92 
Keble's Notitiae from 1739 on showed one other school within 
the "Townspot" and from three to five in the outer parts of the 
township, at a considerable distance from his own. 93 In fact 



88 He had no other employment than the school as affirmed by him frequently. 
S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, pp. 145, 155; B, 9, p. 78; B, 10. p. 105; B, 11, pp. 130, 133; 
B, 13, p. 321. However he served as Reader in the Church without pay. Ibid., 
B, 10, p. 105. 

« Ibid., B, 10, p. 105; Journal VI, p. 41. 

88 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 14; Journal VI, p. 123. 

86 The significance of the S. P. G. support was indicated by his statement that he 
could not otherwise subsist. "Most of the people of this Place," he added, "are 
very bad pay." S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 9, p. 78. Some became indebted to him 
for ten years schooling of their children which made it impossible to collect without 
suing. Ibid., B, 10, p. 105. 

8 ' 30 in 1733, 31 in 1734, 37 in 1735, 26 in 1739, 19 in Nov. 1739, 25 in 1740, 20 in 
1741, 22 in 1742, 25 in 1743, 29 in 1744. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 25, p. 39; A, 26, 
p. 94; B, 1, p. 14; B, 7, pp. 145, 155; B, 9, p. 78; B. 10, p. 105; B, 11, pp. 130, 133; 
B, 13, p. 321. 

88 Ibid., A, 26, p. 94; B, 11, p. 133; B, 13, p. 321. 

'» See citations for different years. 

»o S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 25. p. 39. 

81 Keble gave the number baptized in the Church only; and, providing he took pains 
to ascertain, there were few of these — namely, from two to eight. 

" S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13. p. 321. 

83 "One at Jericho about 6 mis, one at Musketoe Cove about 6 mis., i at Cedar 
Swamp about 6 mis., 1 at East Woods about 5 mis., & 1 at the West end of this town. " 
He did not know what denomination they were "for most of the people are so in- 
fatuated with Enthusiasm & infidelity, that some seem to be against all religions." 
Report of 1741; and similar reports in other years, see citations above. Speaking of 
the schoolmasters of the different places, Keble said : "The Masters generally that teach 
are necessitous Travelling Persons, that there is seldom a school kept above a quarter 
of a year or half a Year at a Place." S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 155. The chil- 
dren in these schools were largely Dutch and Quaker. Ibid., B, 7, p. 145. 



186 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Keble moved his own school to East Woods, another part of the 
township, in 1744 and it is uncertain whether or not he ever went 
back to the town. 94 

Between 1744 and 1748 Mr. Keble became utterly incapacitated 
for further service through a mental break-down. 95 He was 
dropped from the Society's roll, 96 and interest in the school at 
Oyster Bay ceased. 97 A son of Rev. Samuel Seabury, however, 
reopened the school June 6, 1749, 98 in expectation of the usual 
assistance. Young Seabury had already been appointed S. P. 
G. catechist at Huntington, Long Island, 99 and the Society took 
no step to provide additional allowance for this work. Since 
further reports make no mention of the school, it is fair to sup- 
pose that he retired on failing to secure the bounty. 

After being driven from Rye, James Wetmore set up a school 
for the Society at Oyster Bay and was teaching there in 1777. 10 ° 
He reported 40 scholars under his tuition. 101 In the summer of 
that year he removed to Mosquito Cove and founded a school 
with upwards of 50 enrolled. 102 In 1778 he reported as follows: 
"I continue to teach a School at Musquito Cove on Long Island. 
The Number of Scholars has been the Summer past between 
forty & fifty — the pay very small, especially when the enormous 
price of Provisions is considered — which is at four Times as 
much in general as before the horrible Rebellion." 103 His next 
report, which was sent in May 1779, stated: "I have at the pre- 
sent 40 Scholars at £6 Currency per Quarter. I cou'd afford 
my Family but little relief were I not assisted by the Venbie 
Society." 104 But this attempt to maintain a school in the midst 
of the serious condition of the country was doomed to failure. 
He was soon forced to retire and gave as a reason the following: 
"I continued my School at Musquito Cove on Long Island untill 



" Ibid., B, 13, p. 321. 

" S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 16, p. 40. 

•« S. P. G. Journal, XI, p. 40, July 15, 1748. Keble died on Dec. 26, 1748. Ibid., 
p. 128. 

»» Three packets of books had been sent to the school between 1728 and 1742. 
These included 150 catechisms and 50 expositions thereon. Ibid., V, p. 197; VII, p. 
25; IX, p. 71. 

» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 17, p. 105. 

" S. P. G. Journal XI, p. 91. 

»•• S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 249. 

J" Ibid. 

i°» Nov. 15, 1777. S. P. G. Journal, XXI. p. 265. 

»»» Nov. 1, 1778, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 250. 

"« May 1, 1779. ibid., B, 3, p. 251. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 187 

.the 1st of Augst last — to the Satisfaction of my Employers — 
But a number of my Neighbours being captivated by the Rebels 
<fc I very Providentially escaping — & the Loyal Inhabitants 
being obliged to Lodge in the Fields for Safety — I have thought 
it Consistent with my Duty & prudent to quit the School, & am 
at present unsettled. My wife & a Number of my younger 
Children barely subsist between the Lines living in continual 
Fear & subject to frequent Depredations." 105 Finally in 1780, 
1781, and 1782 we learn of his intention to resume the school. 
This he was unable to do with the possible exception of the win- 
ter of 1780-81. 106 In the meantime he opened a school at Flush- 
ing in May 1780 and had 30 scholars. This was broken up after 
three months by the King's troops, which encamped around the 
schoolhouse. 107 At length he made a final attempt at Newtown, 
Long Island. In a letter, dated May, 1, 1783, he announced 
having kept school there for the preceding six months to the 
people's satisfaction. 108 By this time Wetmore had been retired 
by the Society. 

The School in the Parish of Jamaica 

The first petition in behalf of a school, which the S. P. G. 
received from Jamaica, is shown in an excerpt from the pro- 
ceedings which states: 

"The Sec. also reported from the Com ee . that they having read the petition 
of Alexander Davidson a Schoolmaster to them presented setting forth his 
misfortunes & every hard circumstances and as an addition to which that Mr. 
Lynn dec ed the Attorney of the late Rev d Mr. Urquhart having placed the 
said Mr. Urquhart's Son to be Boarded and Taught by him, for which the 
Exc rs of the said Mr. Lynn not only refuse to pay the arrears due, but also 
to take the child off his hands; in all w cn he prays to be relieved: TheCom ee 
agreed to lay the same before the Society: Then the said Petition was read 
and referr'd to the Com ee to state the case of the said Mr. Urquhart and his 
child. " 1( » 

It was decided that the petition was not "subject for the 
Society." 110 Nothing further is noted until 1730, when Mr. 
Joel Burroughs was urged as deserving assistance. Burroughs 
was "the son of a gentleman of N. York, & a trustee & con- 



>« Nov. 1, 1779. ibid., B, 3, p. 252. 

"« S. P. G. Journal, XXII. p. 162; Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 253, 254. 

"' S. P. G. Journal, XXII, p. 219. 

"> Ibid., XXIII, p. 95. 

io» April 20, 1711, S.P. G. Journal, II, p. 22. 

»» May 18, 1711, ibid., II, p. 36. 



188 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

siderable benefactor to the Ch. there." 111 Through misfortune, 
he had been so reduced that he was seeking bread by teaching 
school, and, after having done this "above 5 years," he was un- 
able to maintain himself and family. 112 Having lived long 
amongst the people of Jamaica he was known to be "in every 
way qualified to teach a school there." 113 As in the previous in- 
stance, the Society took no action on the petition, notwith- 
standing the established policy of encouraging all ventures of 
this kind. 114 With the appointment of a new missionary, Rev. 
Thomas Colgan, efforts were renewed, which were this time 
crowned with success. In his petition for the Society's favor 
Mr. Colgan said: "A good schoolmaster is more wanting here, 
than in any part of N. America, the youth being very corrupt in 
their principles & manners, & at the age of manhood are utter 
strangers to the fundamentals of religion." 115 He therefore rec- 
ommended Mr. Edward Willet, "a man of exemplary life, modest 
sober conversation, & every way capable of discharging that 
office." 116 Other missionaries voiced the happy qualification of 
Mr. Willet, who, it was said, "is willing to undertake it, if the 
small encouragement he expects from the spot, be raised by the 
Soc's bounty to a comfortable subsistence. " m Willet was there- 
upon agreed upon with an annual allowance of 15 pounds, 118 
from September 1733. 119 

Willet opened his school November 1, 1733 120 and served con- 
tinuously until September 29, 1741, when he was obliged to 
move away, his income being insufficient for the support of his 
large family. 121 Tuition fees from paying scholars did not amount 
to much, for the pay was poor, and there were many children 
unable to pay anything, who were received gratis. In 1736 
Willet told the Society that what he received from the people did 
not provide common necessities; that, furthermore, in the six 



"i S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 66. March 2, 1729-30. 

u> Ibid. 

i" Ibid.; also A, 22, p. 69. 

114 The long quarrel between the missionary, Rev. Mr. Poyer, and his opponents, 
heretofore referred to, may have led the Society to believe the time inopportune for 
attempting a school at Jamaica. 

"» May 22, 1733, S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 92. 

i" Ibid. 

»' S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 37. 

"8 Aug. 17, 1733, S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 92. 

i" Ibid., VI., p. 177. 

»o Ibid. 

"i Ibid., IX, p. 22; Letter-book, B, 9, p. 67. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 189 

months immediately preceding he had not received as much as 
half his house rent for that length of time. 122 To improve con- 
ditions he started "a small shop of European goods," which he 
declared was attended by his wife. 123 The shop was being kept 
in 1738 and 1739 at least, and may have been begun much earlier, 
but the profits from it were not enough to tide over his difficul- 
ties. 

The school in the summer of 1734 had 20 poor children en- 
rolled. 124 By the end of that year there were 61 pupils, of whom 
20 (the same number as before) were taught free. 125 For the 
years 1735 to 1739 inclusive the enrolment decreased from 59 
to 38 and the free pupils from 24 to 21. 126 In the report of 1739 
Willet, for the only time, classified the children as, one Negro, 
5 from dissenting families, and 32 from those of the Church of 
England. 

It may be assumed that Willet occupied a school house be- 
longing to the parish. He did not mention any but elsewhere 
it is noted that the church in 1761 sold the "Old school house" 
for £3. 127 An assistant was employed in the school in the sum- 
mer of 1738. While Willet was absent in New England the 
assistant acted as substitute and diligently supplied the place. 128 
Evidently this was the only occasion of such assistance. As to 
other schools, there are two references to them among the So- 
ciety's papers for this period. In 1738 Mr. Colgan reported: 
"there is no other School in the Town but his" (Willet's), "and 
but one near unto it, which is taught by a Poor Widow." 129 The 



i" S. P. G. Journal, VII, p. 54. 

»» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 123. 

i« June 12, 1734, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 25, p. 58. This first report from Willet 
did not specify the paying pupils. 

us Nov. 12, 1734, ibid.. A, 25, p. 78. In a copy of Rev. Mr. Colgan's certificate 
which is in the Journal of Proceedings (VI, p. 251 ), the enrolment is given as 63 with 
23 free. A clerical error has occurred in one of two places and probably in the latter. 

i" 59 in 1735 with 24 free; 51 in 1736 with 22 free; 45 in 1737 with 23 free; 45 in 
1738 and April 1739 with 21 free; 38 in 1739. S. P. G. Journal, VII, pp. 40, 54,246; 
VIII, p. 6; Letter-book, A, 26, p. 70; B, 7, pp. 121, 123, 

127 Onderdonk, Antiquities of the Parish Church, Jamaica, p. 62. This item ap- 
pears in a list of subscribers to a fund for repairing the church-building and enclosing 
the church-yard. 

™ Rev.Mr. Colgan to Sec, Oct. 10,1738, S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 6. 

"» Ibid. 



190 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

next year Willet reported three schools in the parish taught by 
women, "all of ye Independent persuasion." 130 

Mr. Willet's withdrawal from the school was very unfortu- 
nate, based, as it was, on the people's lack of support. His suc- 
cess in the instruction of his pupils and his zeal in carrying out 
the desires of the Society were frequently attested. "He is 
singularly diligent to the satisfaction of everybody," wrote Mr. 
Colgan in 1734. 131 In 1738 another testimonial from the min- 
ister is thus recorded in the proceedings: "He writes also, that 
he hath received the Secretary's of the 28th March concerning 
the Conduct of Mr. Willet the Society's Schoolmaster in that 
town and the state of his School. As to Mr. Willet's Behaviour 
(which is the first thing enquired into) he must say that it is 
good and unblamable. He (Mr. Willet) is a man of a well or- 
der'd life and conversation, sober and Religious, he has always 
closely attended the Business of his School." 132 The vacancy 
was immediately filled by the appointment of Mr. John Moore, 
B.A., pending the action of the Society. 133 Moore, we are told, 
was about twenty-five years of age and was educated at Yale, 
where he had "made good proficiency in learning"; and he hoped, 
when occasion offered, to engage in the ministry. 134 Moore had 
charge of the school for about two years. In 1743 he was given 
permission to vacate the position long enough to go to England, 
as the following letter sets forth: "The Society hath granted 
your Request of coming to England for a Short time, you taking 
care to have the School Supplied in your absence, and they will 
be very ready to recommend you to Holy Orders (provided you 
shall be found worthy) that you may be the better qualified to 
promote their pious Designs." 135 With Moore's departure the 



»° S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 123, Aug. 25, 1739. Schoolmasters known to 
have been in Jamaica parish before this time are: Henry Lindley and Thomas Hud- 
dleston, licensed by Gov. Cornbury 1705 (Pratt, op. cit., pp. 91, 92); Alexander 
Davidson 1711 and Joel Burroughs 1729 (cited above); and Thomas Temple and a 
Mr. Rock about 1731 (Onderdonk, op. cit., p. 37). The S. P. G. missionary, Rev. 
Mr. Poyer, reported to the Society in 1724: "There are Schools in each Town in the 
Parish but the Masters and Mistresses of them are some of them Presbyterians and 
others Quakers. " Doc. Hist, of New York, III, p. 186. 

i« S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 25, p. 78. 

»s S. P. G. Journal VIII, p. 61. The Society was petitioned by Vesey, Jenney and 
Colgan to add to the salary but, feeling further responsibility rested with the people, 
it very justly determined not to do so. Ibid., VII, p. 54. 

i« Moore began teaching forthwith, Sept. 1741. Ibid., IX, p. 23. He was ap- 
proved by the Society in April 1742. Ibid. 

"< Ibid. Moore was one of the first of the College graduates and prospective mis- 
sionaries for whom positions were to be provided, pending ordination. 

i» Sec. to Moore, June 14, 1743, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, p. 194a. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 191 

the support of the Jamaica school came to an end. 136 In 1745 
a final reference to it was made in a letter from Mr. Colgan to 
the Society which said in part: "One great disadvantage the 
Church here lies under is the want of a good SchoolnF to in- 
struct the youth in the sound, most rational, & Orthodox Prin- 
ciples of the Ch. of Eng. as some daily strive to instil notions 
destructive of good manners & of all religious & civil Govmt. 
As Soc. has for several years past allowed £15 p.a. to a proper 
person to undertake that office he hopes they will continue it, 
when such an one offers for the purpose." 137 There are no re- 
cords to indicate further events. Though the S. P. G. funds 
were in an embarrassing condition shortly before this time, 138 it 
is a question whether the Jamaica school was refused further 
assistance or whether the difficulty was continued inability to 
find a suitable person to conduct it. 139 

The Schools at Southampton and Brookhaven 

Between 1732 and 1735 the Society allowed a bounty to a 
schoolmaster in the town of Southampton. This support was 
the result of a petition from some of the inhabitants, asking that 
a salary be granted to Mr. Edward Davies, who had been there 
"as Schoolmaster several years." 140 The petitioners affirmed 
that Davies had "taught many children to read & write, & the 
principles of Christianity." He had also "instrtucted negroes & 
Indians, many of whom desired to be instructed." 141 In an ac- 
companying testimonial Commissary Vesey and the missionaries 
at Hempstead and Jamaica vouched for the good character of 
Davies, setting forth his industry and ability, and his great use- 
fulness in the promoting of religion. 142 Davies was accordingly 
chosen the Society's schoolmaster and an annual salary of £10 
was agreed upon. 143 



136 There are no available reports of Moore's service in the school. After ordination 
he was appointed to Bermuda and resigned the school. Ibid., B, 11, p. 136. 

137 Sept. 30, 1745, B, 13, p. 233. The Society recorded the letter without comment 
or action. 

138 See p. 101 in reference to Hildreth. 

139 The writer was unable to find either request for, or any special grants of, books 
to the Jamaica school. Various packets were dispatched to the successive mission- 
aries but none of them seem to have been designed for school use. 

"o Undated petition received Oct. 20. 1732, S. P. G. Journal VI, p. 40. 

"i Ibid., Letter-book, A, 24, p. 203. 

i« S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 24, p. 205. 

i« Oct. 20, 1732, S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 40. 



192 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

In the subjoined letter, which is given in full, we have Davies' 
report of his service during the first year: 

" Bridghampton belonging to the Town off Southampton on the Island of 
Nassaw in the Colony of New York In North America November 6th 1733. 
Revd Sr. 

I have rec d an Order from the Hon ble Society by the Rev d Mr. Vesey ap- 
pointing me School Master of Southampton and villages belonging thereunto 
for which please to return my most Humble Thanks to that Venerable Body — 
And I hope that the Future Acc ts that I shall give of the Increase of my 
School and the Improve mt of my Scholars in the Knowledge of Christian 
learning will in some measure please the Honble Society and evidence the Ne- 
cessity of their charitable Bounty to these Parts. And in order to Forward 
this good work I humble Intreat that Honble Body to send me over some 
Catechisms with Explanation thereof and some of M r . Tho : Dyches Spelling 
Books to Enable me to Instruct the children comitted to my Charge in the 
True rules of Spelling and such other good books, as they shall think most 
helpfull to discountenance Vice and Incourage Virtue. Inclosed is a Ceitifi- 
cate according to your Instructions. 144 Since that was Signed there are more 
children added to my School upon the Acco* of the Bounty, and the last 
Summer I Taught Twelve white Children on said Bounty and since the be- 
ginning of October I teach all the Negroes and Indians that are Inclineable 
to come, and can be spared by their Masters, the time of Teaching them is in 
the night, by reason of their being confined all the day to their Labour. 

"I observe by the Instructions I am ordered to send Acco* of the progress 
I make in the School every Six months to the Honble Society. I hope that 
Hon ble Body will please to Excuse me as to the Time, for I Live one hundred 
and near Twenty miles from New York therefore I cannot easily know when 
Vessels goe from thence to London. I will observe as often as I can get an 
opportunity send an acco* to that Honble Body. I have humble presumed 
to Draw upon W m Tryon Esq r or the Treasurer for the Time being of the 
Venerable Society Bounty for my years Salary Ending In July Last. I hope 
it will not be Taken amiss of me for so doing — 
I am with Dutiful Regard, 

Rev d S r Your Most obliged obedient Humble Serv*. 

Edward Davies." 145 

A summary of his report for the ensuing year dated November 
12, 1734, is thus entered in the Society's proceedings: "He has 
made considerable progress with the Children under his care 
this last year; he had from 12 to 22 children, as they could be 
spared by their parents, & as weather permitted, some living 2 
mis. away. Most of them can read tollerably well in the Bible 
& most of those from 7 to 13 years can write a fair hand to the 
great likeing of all who visit the school, which is very frequent. 
Last winter from Oct. to the middle of March he instructed from 
10 to 20 negroes & Indians, & sometimes more as they could be 
spared by their masters. He is obliged to teach them from sun- 



"< Not now among the S. P. G. Papers. 

" 6 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 9. In compliance with his request, a packet con- 
taining " 100 Sticht Catechisms, 12 Lewis's Exposition & 30 Dyche's Spelling Books" 
was dispatched to him. S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 124. 



The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 193 

set to 9 at night, as they work all day, & cannot come at all in 
summer; with much difficulty he has taught some to spell, some 
to read, & some to write, as well as could be expected consider- 
ing the brokenness of their speech & age, most of them being 
grown to manhood — He hopes this winter to make a greater prog- 
ress than last." 146 His letter of this date, moreover, states that, 
"Some of the children begin in their letters in the Primer, some 
in the Psalter, & some in the Testaments." 147 In the summer 
of 1735 it was reported that Davies had grown tired of the place 
and desired to be removed to Brookhaven. The S. P. G. mis- 
sionary at Brookhaven urged that this be done, since there were 
few of the Church of England at Southampton, and it was at 
least fifty miles from any church. 148 But the Society would 
take no action without the recommendations of the other mis- 
sionaries on Long Island. 149 Without waiting for final action in 
the matter, Davies left the school in the fall of 1735 and went to 
England. There he waited upon the Society and "declared 
his intention of not returning." 160 

One other instance of the Society's assistance to schools on 
Long Island remains to be noted. In 1733 Isaac Browne pe- 
titioned for an allowance on the ground that "by request of 
Rev. Mr. Johnson" (afterwards President Johnson of King's 
College) he had taught school in the interest of the Church of 
England, and had catechised children and read prayers "at 
Westerly in Naraganset, Brookhaven on Long Island, and Horse- 
neck and Greenwich in Connecticut." The people being poor 
he had not received enough to support him and had spent his 
own money. 151 In appreciation of his service the Society made 
Browne a gratuity of £30. 152 Browne was a Yale graduate and 
one of the prospective candidates for Holy Orders while en- 
gaged in this work, the details of which it has been impossible to 
ascertain. Following his ordination, in the same year, he was ap- 
pointed the Society's missionary at Brookhaven. 163 



»e S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 20S. 

» 7 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 25, p. 40. 

"s Ibid., A, 26, p. 38. 

i« S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 263. 

iso Ibid., VI, p. 278, Oct. 17, 1735. 

161 Ibid., VI, p. 96; also Rev. Samuel Johnson to Sec, Oct. 9, 1732, Letter-book. A 
24, p. 143. 

i" Ibid., VI, p. 95. 

"'Ibid. VI, p. 99. 



CHAPTER X 

THE SOCIETY'S SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS IN THE 
UPPER PROVINCE 

With the exception of the assistance allowed to schoolmasters 
and catechists among the Mohawk Indians, the educational 
work of the S. P. G. was of no great consequence in the northern 
part of New York Province. The Society did, however, main- 
tain a number of missionaries in this section and through them 
there were occasional attempts to give encouragement to relig- 
ious instruction in the schools that were carried on within their 
jurisdiction. In 1712 the Society received a petition on behalf 
of six hundred families of Germans on Hudson River. 1 "These 
people," it was declared, "stand in great need of qualified per- 
sons to educate their children in English reading, & writing, & 
Christian religion, & as there are now 2 able German Ministers, 
they only need Schoolmasters at present." 2 A plan was at once 
presented to the Society for meeting the situation, which, it ap- 
pears, got no further than this. It may have been considered 
an undertaking beyond the limit of present resources, or else a 
responsibility to be assumed by the Crown and such agencies 
as brought about the migration. The proposed scheme was the 
following : 

"A proposal to make the Settlement of Palatines at N. York more complete 
by appointing English Schoolmasters to instruct the children. 

The Settlement consists of 5 towns, & it is proposed : 

1. That 5 Englishmen be sent to N. York by Soc. & one in each town keep 
a free school to teach reading, writing, English & Arithmetic. 

2. That they be good men, & with sufficient knowledge of the Ch. of Eng. 
Doctrine, as to be able to instruct the children therein. 



i S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 68. These Germans had emigrated to New York 
about 1710 and were settled in about five towns centering about Newburgh. They 
were usually referred to as the "Settlement of the Palatines." Doc. Hist, of N. Y. 
Ill, p. 339; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 68; A, 17, p. 232; A, 18, p. 44. 

2 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 68. 

194 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 195 

3. That the nearest missionaries visit these Schools at least once a year 
to see that the Masters are not remiss in duty. 

4. That the Books & papers be provided for the use of these schools. 

5. That this be done for at least 2 years from Christmas 1712 at Soc's. 
Expence. " 3 

The S. P. G., however, sent missionaries among the Palatines 
and later to New Windsor and Newburgh. 4 Rev. Mr. Haeger, 
the first of these, 5 asked for some assistance for the English and 
German children of his congregations. He said: "I have been 
several times resolved to make my humble application to the 
Honorable Society for Prop, the Gospel about some encourage- 
ment for a schoolmaster to teach my children English and Ger- 
man, and this would contribute a great deal to propagating the 
Gospel and in time to turn them into English and good members 
and I will hope the Honorable Society will take it into considera- 
tion." 6 Another appeal on behalf of the "poor Palatines" was 
sent the Society in 1723, as follows: "I look upon them as true 
Lovers of our happy Constitution and Nation and think it is a 
Pity they should be soe bewildered in a state of Ignorance, their 
Inclinations bend them to have an Education in English, but their 
ability will not allow them to Entertain a person qualified to 
Assist them. It is humbly requested that you move in their 
favour and State their Case to the Honbie Society to see if there 
may be any assistance from them to Support so good an Inclina- 
tion. Sr They entertaine thoughts of being Supplyed wtn books 
proper to Train up Youth in the English Tongue and what else 
can be allowed by the Charitable Society to carry on their good 
designs." 7 In 1747, Rev. H. Watkins wrote: "And as there 
are abundance of Children here who belong to poor Families, I 
could also wish for some Church Catechisms to give them of 
different Sizes for the different Capacities of the Children; being 
much wanted." 8 Five years later there is another report, re- 
ferring to the education of the children in the following manner: 
"There are a great many Children, and youth in my Mission, 
which belong to Families of the Church of England and I am 
endeavouring as fast as I can, to implant in Them the Principles. 

*Ibid. 

* Classified Digest, op. cit., pp. 61, 855f. 

* 1710-1718. 

8 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 12, p. 341; Ec. Rec, op. cit., p. 2118. 

' James Ogilvie to Sec, June 5, 1723, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 17, p. 232. 

» Ibid., B, 15, p. 101. 



196 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

of our Holy Religion according to the Capacity while in their 
youth — To this End I have distributed to them upon my own 
account 4 Doz. of Lewis's Church Catechisms; and I have ad- 
vised the Masters and Mistresses of the little Schools in my mis- 
sion, and also the Heads of Families, who are of the Church, 
Carefully to see that the Children and youth learn this Cate- 
chism thro as fast as they can. And as I am from Time to Time 
visiting my People, I examine Those Children myself, both in 
those Little Schools and in private Families — And there are 
several of Those Children who have got this Catechism almost 
thro by heart." 9 Just at this time a tract of five hundred acres 
was granted by Letters Patent for the benefit of the Church of 
England minister and a public school. 10 As soon as the matter 
was determined, Newburgh took steps to erect both Church and 
school buildings, and to establish a school. The Society was 
memorialized on this occasion by means of the document here- 
with given: 

To the Right Honourable and Reverend the Society for Propagating Christian 
Knowledge. 

The Memorial of Alexander Colden and Richard Alberston, Trustees of 
the Parish of Newburgh in behalf of themselves and the Inhabitants of the 
said Parish and Places adjacent. Humbly showeth. 

That the Inhabitants of said Parish and Places adjacent Consists of Persons 
Originally of Different Nations, Languages and Perswasions. 

That there is no School for the Education of youth any where near Hudsons 
River above the City of New York, a very large Country above one hundred 
and fifty Miles in extent and full of Inhabitants, whereby the Youth are 
brought up and remain in Great Ignorance. 

Towards the Supplying of this great want the Inhabitants of said Parish 
have Obtained a Grant of Letters Patent of Five Hundred Acres of Land for 
the Use of a Church and School as will more particularly appear by a Copy of 
said Patent herewith Sent so far as relates to the Use of the said Five Hundred 
Acres. 

That the said Five Hundred Acres of Land are pleasantly Situated on Hud- 
sons River in a most healthy part of the Country about half way Between 
the Cities of New York and Albany capable of great Improvements as a ship 
of any Burthen which can come into the Harbour of New York may come 
likewise to this place. But as the Expence of the necessary Buildings for 
the Church and School, and for the Minister and School-Master and giving 
Proper Encouragement to able Persons to officiate greatly Surpasses the ability 
of the Inhabitants. 

We must therefore Humbly pray the Charitable Assistance of the Society 
and by their Intercession of other Charitable Persons in Order to Carry the 
Intention of his Majesties grant into its design'd Effect. 



•June 12, 1752, ibid., B, 20, p. 77. 

i» This was a tract or glebe originally given by Queen Anne to a Lutheran minister 
at Newburgh. By 1752 the Germans, by death or removal, had so decreased that 
the glebe became useless, for which reason the new grant was made. S. P. G. Journal, 
XIX, pp. 449-454. For copy of petition to Gov. Clinton, see S. P. G. Letter-book, 
B, 20, p. 89. For the Governor's order for a patent, see Doc. Hist, of N. Y., Ill, p. 359 . 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 197 

Unless this School can be properly Established the Rising Generation over 
a large Extent of Country may be involved in Gross Ignorance, And if it be 
promoted the Principals of Religion and Virtue probably will be Established 
and Propagated among them and many become good and Usefull Members of 
the Society who otherwise will be lost. 

We Humbly therefore hope that the Encouragement of this Pious Design 
will Deserve the Serious Attention of the Society and which is most humbly 
pray'd and Submitted by The Right Revd & Hon»le Society's Most obed* 
and most humble Serv ts 

Newburgh Alexr Colden Trustees of 

June 4, 1752. Ricd Alberston the Newburgh. 11 

During the entire period the Society, according to the records, 
adhered to its early policy of not assisting in the maintenance of 
schools in and about Newburgh. A school was established later 
and was partly supported from the tract of land. But the dis- 
senters increased rapidly at Newburgh, came into control of the 
land and the school, and administered both for their own in- 
terest, 12 in spite of protests from the missionaries. 13 

The first English schoolmaster affiliated with the Church, who 
was commissioned to Albany, was probably George Muirson 
(1702). But, as we have seen, 14 he was retained at New York. 
In August 1706 Mr. John Humphreys sailed from England in 
company with Capt. C. Congreve of the Army, in expectation 
of receiving the Society's assistance as schoolmaster at Albany. 15 
Both of these men were captured and carried into Spain, and it 
was 1709 before they reached America, 16 after which Humphreys 
was appointed a schoolmaster at Burlington, New Jersey, by the 
S. P. G. minister there. 17 In 1707 Rev. Thomas Barclay was 
sent out as Chaplain at Albany at a Royal bounty of £50 per 
annum. 18 On the recommendation of the Bishop of London, 
Mr. Barclay was in 1709 appointed the Society's missionary and 
school master for both Albany and Schenectady, with an allowance 
of £50 annually. 19 Schenectady got little benefit from his serv- 
ices, save a sermon once a month and his influence in getting an 
English school erected there in 1710. 20 Nor did he personally 



» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 20, p. 84-5. 

" S. P. G. Journal, XII, p. 407; XV, p. 153; XIX, pp. 449-54. 

" Ibid.; also Letter-book. B, 3, pp. 307, 308. 

" See p. 71. 

" S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (1). 

» S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 145. 

17 Ibid., A, 5, p. 19. 

w Ibid., A, 11, p. 26. 

» S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (189). 

" S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 176; Doc. Hist, of N. Y., op. cit.. Ill, p. 540. 



198 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

establish a school at Albany. In addition to his ministration 
to the garrison he conducted the regular Church services. To 
fulfill the functions of schoolmaster, Barclay concentrated his 
efforts at first upon the encouragement of the teaching of the 
catechism and prayers of the Church. For this purpose he 
frequently visited schools and divided his charity collection into 
small stipends which he presented to the masters as an encourage- 
ment. He wrote of his method in 1710, as follows: "As I did 
begin from my first coming to Albany, so I go on to catechise the 
youth, and it hath pleased God to bless my weak endeavors that 
way, for a great many Dutch Children, who at first arrival, were 
altogether ignorant of the English tongue, can distinctly say our 
Catechism and make the responses at prayer, I explain some 
part of the catechism in as plain and familiar a way as I can, 
shunning all controversies, teaching them such fundamental 
doctrines as are necessary and tend most to promote piety and 
a good life. I have taught the scholars the prayers appointed 
for charity schools, and I have used all possible methods to en- 
gage the children to their duty, both by the giving of small pres- 
ents to the most forward and diligent, and by frequently visiting 
their schools; and for encouraging the School Masters I give 
them what charity is collected in our Church, obliging them to 
bring their Scholars to the Public prayers." 21 It would be in- 
teresting to know how many and what schools Barclay was thus 
co-operating with. Possibly one was the school of the "Soldier 
belonging to the Garrison" of which Huddleston made mention 
in 1708. 22 If he had access to Dutch Schools, 23 they were cer- 
tainly those outside of the control of the Dutch Church, for he 
reported being opposed in his work "by Major Myndert Schuyler 
& his brother-in-law, Petrus Vandrissen, Minister of the Dutch 
Congregation." 24 The very small minority of the population 
that the English must have represented 25 would hardly lead one 



« Sept. 26, 1710, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 176; Doc. Hist, of N. Y., op. cit.. 
Ill, p. 540. 

»» See p. 77. 

" He sometimes instructed in Dutch. S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 28 ; Letter-book, 
A, 9, 30 fol. p. 97. 

" Ibid., Ill, p. 28, June 29, 1714; also Letter-book, A, 9, p. 158, Oct. 22, 1714. 

" At least he reports the proportion in Schenectady as 16 English families to 100 
of the Dutch, outside of the garrison there, and we may infer that Albany was as 
predominantly Dutch at this time. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 176. In 1742 also 
the Society was informed that "in the city & county of Albany are 10610 whites, & 
1110 slaves, Communicants 64 white 58 Indians, professors of Ch. of Eng. 170, 2 
independent Companies, & 500 Indians." S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 70. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 199 

to expect more than one English school, yet there were at least 
two of these in 1713, Barclay having in that year referred to 
"the English Schools." 26 It is therefore possible that his work 
with the children was done through these schools and that, in 
his reports of encouraging schoolmasters, he has the English 
schools only in mind. Indeed he declared in a letter of 1713 
that he had distributed to the most deserving in the English 
schools, the Bibles and prayer books sent by the Society; and 
that "to encourage the principal Schoolmaster" he was paying 
him £8 per year out of the Church money. 27 Whatever the 
schools, it is certain that the Dutch children were receiving his 
instruction in the catechism of the Church which, we have al- 
ready seen, he tactfully handled by avoiding controversies and 
teaching the more generally accepted fundamental doctrines. 
Most of his 70 children in 1713 were of Dutch extraction. 28 In 
1716 Barclay's salary from the Society was withdrawn. This 
was done, the proceedings state, through a desire to retrench ex- 
cessive expenses, and in view of the missionary's bounty from 
the Crown. 29 After this he still continued to report diligent at- 
tention to the work until 1722. 30 In 1719 Mr. Barclay was in- 
strumental in setting on foot a Latin school in Albany. Of 
this he said: "I am at present Employ 'd in gathering of a Latin 
School for one Mr. Willson, who arrived here last November 
from Ireland, a Man of sober Conversation and has a competent 
skill in the Latin and Greek tongues." 31 But no further mention 
was made of it. 

Between 1728 and 1736 Rev. John Miln acted as the Society's 
missionary to Albany and the Indians. During the time, and 
even before Miln's arrival, a schoolmaster was affiliated with 
the work of the Church in Albany. In 1728 we learn that fifty 
children were brought by their schoolmaster to the minister 
twice a week to give account of their catechism, the parents al- 
lowing them to do this chiefly on account of the language. 32 A 



« Ibid., A, 8, p. 165, Apr. 17, 1713. 

« Ibid. 

ss Ibid. There is a fair indication in the above that Dutch prejudice against 
English influence was breaking as early as this in Albany. Furthermore, Mr. Bar- 
clay reported as an offset to the opposition of the Dutch minister, that he had the 
encouragement of Col. Killian van Ranslaar and Col. Peter Schuyler, as well as 
English gentlemen. S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 28. 

»» Ibid., Ill, p. 127. 

s ° S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 12, pp. 290, 375, A, 13, p. 452, A, 16, p. 206. 

« Ibid., A, 13, p. 452. 

« 2 Ibid., A, 21, p. 412. 



200 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

report was sent in 1730 with the additional information that 
John Beasley the schoolmaster "also instructed near 20 Negroes 
in the Catechism." 33 Reports from both Mr. Miln and Beasley 
were sent in 1731, 1732 and 1734 describing similar work, 34 and 
seeking the Society's allowance as catechist for the Negroes in 
Albany. 35 In consideration of his efforts the Society voted two 
gratuities of £10 each. 36 It was even resolved to allow him an 
annual salary as catechist in conjunction with his work as school- 
master, but a later report of available funds for that purpose 
caused the withdrawal of the plan. 37 Succeeding missionaries 
did not refer to schoolmasters. Since nearly all of them were 
commissioned to the Indians as well, a large part of their time 
was given to that work, and their letters usually made brief 
reference to Albany. The following excerpt from a letter of 
Rev. John Ogilvie in 1751 is evidence of the fact that the Dutch 
children continued to be instructed in the Church catechism by 
the missionaries. It reads: "At Albany the Church is much 
the same only that my Catechumens of the dutch Children are 
increased to near 150, this I hope will tend in some Measure to 
Introduce the English Language more universally and Lessen 
their Prejudices to our excellent Liturgy." 38 

The S. P. G. missionary at Poughkeepsie, Rev. John Beards- 
ley, in 1767 sought aid for a school there. "Could the venerable 
Society," he said, "think proper to Lend their aid in Settling a 
School according to our Constitution, I am very sure it would 
be of Excellent purpose in this country, as the original Settlers 
were chiefly Dutch and therefore have been under but low ad- 
vantage (in general) to obtain an English Education." 39 This 
favor was desired for some 50 children whom he was regularly 



33 S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 294; Letter-book, A, 22, p. 85. Beasley's teaching at 
Albany dated back to 1725 or "more than 6 years before" 1732, according to his own 
statement, ibid., A, 24, p. 164. 

34 Nov. 2, 1731 — -10 of the negroes instructed by Beasley were baptized by the 
missionary, ibid., A, 23, p. 345; May 1, 1732 — 12 of his negroes "and hopes to have 
as many this year," ibid.. A, 24, pp. 164, 199; 1733, — 8 of his negroes (6 grown up and 
2 children), ibid.. A, 25, p. 19; 1734, — 5 of his negroes (grown up), ibid. An accom- 
panying certificate from the mayor and other officials was sent in 1734 to the Society. 
ibid.. A, 25, p. 20. Rev. Joseph Hooper, in his History of St. Peter's Church, Albany 
p. 71, dates Beasley's work from 1732, "continuing several years." He thus relies 
on the S. P. G. Abstracts which have not a complete record of his services. 

36 Beasley stated in 1733: "there are about 300 people in this city, & not less than 
400 negroes." Ibid., B, 1, p. 6. A certificate from the Mayor and others vouched 
for the 400 Negroes, ibid.. A, 25, p. 20. 

3 « S. P. G. Journal, VI, pp. 46, 51. 

" Ibid. 

»s Apr. 14, 1751, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 19. p. 71. 

« Sept. 5, 1767, ibid., B, 3, p. 25. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 201 

catechising. 40 In return the Society resolved "to appoint a 
schoolmr at Poghkeepsie, when a proper person sha'l be well 
recommended." 41 The next reference to the matter is in 1769, 
when Mr. Beardsley reported as follows: "I beg leave to inform 
the venerable Society that I have found a proper person Mr. 
Austin Beardsley for keeping a school agreeable to the laudable 
Design of their Charitable Institution. He hath been strictly 
educated in the Rules of our Chh reads and writes Plain English 
and is firmly attached to the british Constitution both in Chh 
and State; For confirmation of which I beg leave to refer to his 
recommendation from the Revd Doctor Auchmuty, 42 by whose 
approbation he is to open a School in Poughkeepsie after Christ- 
mas Holy-Days in hopes of Patronage from the venerable Society. 
I shall take care that the School be fixed on the Parsonage Land 
where we have an old House convenient for that purpose, which 
is Situated in a Neighbourhood of poor people who in general, 
are unable to pay their Children's Schooling and that Nothing 
be introduced but what is agreeable to the Rules of our Ch. and 
(as I observed in a former letter to the Society) I am fully per- 
suaded a thing of this kind among us in the present State of the 
Country would as completely answer ye Intention of Such an 
Institution as the bestowment of their Charity on the Savage 
Indian Tribes." 43 Evidently, then, Mr. Beardsley did not learn 
of the resolution of the Society up to the time of writing the 
letter, and probably for some time thereafter. In the mean- 
time, if Austin Beardsley actually opened a school about Jan- 
uary 1770, as stated, he seems to have retired from it by 1771. 
There is strong probability that no school had been started up 
to that time, according to the following letter from the mis- 
sionary: "I have in Sundry of my Letter to ye Society mentioned 
the great Necessity of a School at Poughkeepsie, & begged ye 
Assistance of that venerable Board and I have long since learned 
by Doctor Auchmuty that the Society are disposed in favour 
of the Scheme; and that whoever he shall approve the Society 
will appoint as a Master, all which I hope by this Time is settled, 



« Ibid. 

« S. P. G. Journal, XVII, p. 428. 

« Rector of Trinity Church, N. Y., and Commissary of the Bishop of London. 
Austin Beardsley may have been a kinsman of the missionary though it is not so 
stated. 

« Dec. 3, 1769, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 29. 



202 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

& that ye person he recommended (Mr. Eli Emons) is accepted 
by the Society and that he will soon have Directions to open 
the School." 44 No further reference to the school or to Emons is 
to be found save the entry made in the S. P. G. minutes, on re- 
ceipt of the information from Beardsley. The entry was to this 
effect: "Agreed that Mr. Beardsley be informed, that Dr. Auch- 
muty has not sent any recommendation of Mr. Eli Emons; that, 
if that shall arrive Soc. will appoint Mr. Emons Schoolmr at 
Poghkeepsie. " 45 Since the Abstracts of Proceedings do not 
include any mention of school support at Poughkeepsie, it may 
be fairly assumed that the intentions of the Society were not 
carried out. 

It has been pointed out that the Rev. Mr. Barclay was com- 
missioned as schoolmaster to Schenectady in conjunction with 
his other numerous functions. 46 This was in 1709. Soon there- 
after Mr. Barclay sent word that he had got an English school 
erected at Schenectady and hoped the children would soon be 
fit for catechising. 47 His relation to it was in an advisory capa- 
city only. His visits to the town were once a month when he con- 
ducted Church services and catechised the children. This is the 
only indication available to show a relationship between the 
work of the Society and elementary instruction in the town. 
Years later, however, a Latin school was conducted by two of 
the missionaries. From 1771 to 1773 Rev. William Andrews 
kept such a school, not at the direction of the Society but to 
increase his inadequate income. 48 While the purpose was primarily 
that of a Latin school Mr. Andrews included elementary in- 
struction in the curriculum. In explanation of the purpose of 
the school, he wrote to one of the foremost members of the 
Society in the Province: "I have very lately opened a Grammar 
School in this Town, and that I may make it more generally 
useful, I shall give instruction, in Writing, Reading, and Arith- 
metick — At present I have Ten Scholars and as the Prices are 
moderate I have the Prospect of getting more daily." 49 Before 
two months had passed, three scholars had been added, and we 



m Apr. 26, 1771, ibid., B, 3, p. 32. 

« S. P. G. Journal, XIX, p. 76. 

" See p. 197. 

" Sept. 26, 1710, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 176. 

«« Ibid., B, 3, p. 3. Jan. 21, 1772; also B, 2, p. 93. 

" Andrews to Sir Wm. Johnson, Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV, p. 466. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 203 

learn that Mr. Andrews had determined on an expansion of the 
curriculum and the establishment of an academy for both day 
and boarding pupils. His plan was thus described to the afore- 
said member: "I lately took the Liberty of acquainting You, 
that I had opened a Grammar School in this Town, and since 
that, I have determined on forming it into an Academy, and 
propose giving Instruction in Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, 
Geography and History to those who may be designed to fill 
the Stations of active Life, exclusive of those who may be taught 
the Learned Languages — Bookkeeping, and Merchants accompts 
to fit them for Business, or the Mechanic Arts. — At present I 
have Thirteen Scholars, and as the Prices are moderate for teach- 
ing, and receiving Boarders, I have a good prospect of getting 
more daily. I hope, Sir, it may merit your Countenance and En- 
couragement, as it shall be conducted with the greatest Care 
and Attention, and that you will be good enough to patronize 
this Plan which may prove very useful to this Place, and may 
enable me to continue in this Mission." 50 

After two years Mr. Andrews surrendered the mission and retired 
from the academy to take up less burden some duties in Virginia. 51 
The mission was immediately filled by the appointment of Rev. John 
Doty, who conducted it until 1777, when he became a refugee in 
Canada. 52 Mr. Doty took up the- care of the school as well as 
the Church. 53 The following excerpt concerning the Latin school 
is taken from a letter of the Churchwardens and Vestry to the 
Society: "Thirdly, as the School began by Mr. Andrews not 
only laid a Foundation of Improvement to our Posterity, but 
promised an Addition to the Members of our Church, which has 
visibly declined in Mr. Andrew's Absence & of which our Neigh- 
bours of another Denomination have availed themselves by 
setting up a school and by various Artifices drawing away our 
Children with a View to their being educated in different Prin- 
ciples, which must inevitably happen not only to them, but to 
many Adults of our Congregation, unless we can have the Mis- 



•° Nov. 5, 1711, ibid., IV, p. 470. 

m "Finding it impossible to continue in this Mission upon the Society's Salary & 
the Subscriptions of the Congregation without teaching a school which has much 
injur'd my Health, I have therefore relinquish'd it, as thro' the Recommendation of 
Sir William Johnson procur'd a Parish in Virginia. " Nov. 25, 1773, ibid., B, 3, p. 11. 

52 Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 855. For his appointment see S. P, G. Journal, 
XX, p. 85. 

« Doty to Sec, Dec. 19, 1773. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 13. 



204 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

sion revived in the person of Mr. Doty, as he is both from Char- 
acter & Abilities peculiarly calculated for the Care of the Parish 
& School, both which he is willing to undertake." 54 Mr. Doty 
doubtless maintained the school as long as conditions permitted. 
Finally Rev. John Stuart attempted to open a Latin school in 
the summer of 1781. Writing to the Society on October 13 from 
Montreal, the missionary reported his ill-treatment by the 
Rebels, including the confiscation of his property and his con- 
finement to the town of Schenectady. There, as a last resource, 
he "proposed to open a Latin School" for the support of his 
family, but "this privilege was denied on pretence that, as a 
Prisioner of War," he "was not entitled to exercise any Un- 
certain occupation in the state." 55 

In May 1768 the Society requested Sir William Johnson to 
provide a schoolmaster for the recent settlements of Johnstown. 56 
Accordingly Mr. Edward Wall was appointed to the place and 
began instructing the children about November of that year. 57 
In December Sir William wrote to the Secretary: "I have like- 
wise established a fit person who received a Liberal education 
in Europe at Johnstown near this place who has at present near 
40 children Whites & Indians, and his school daily encreases." 58 
The name of the schoolmaster he said was Edward Wall, to 
whom he had advanced a half year's salary, and he proposed soon 
to draw for the amount. 59 For some reason the letter did not 
reach the Society until the meeting of May 18, 1770, at which 
time the appointment was allowed, with such salary as Sir Wil- 
liam thought proper to allot to him "agreeably to the discretion- 



si Dec. 10, 1773. ibid., B, 3, p. 12. 

« Ibid., B, 2, p. 204. Mr. O'Callaghan, Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV, p. 513, calls in 
question the truth of Stuart's ill-treatment and of his plan to open a school, on the- 
ground that he contemplated emigrating as early as Nov. 1780. Judging from the 
context of documents quoted by O'Callaghan (ibid., pp. 511-513) as well as from the 
assertions above, which are taken from an original letter of Stuart, it seems necessary 
to the writer to accept the missionary's statement of events. 

« S. P. G. Journal, XVII, p. 511. Sir William served as His Majesty's commis- 
sioner of Indian affairs from about 1746 to 1774, and in 1766 was made a member of 
the S. P. G. About 1760, he established his seat at Johnson Hall. In this neigh- 
borhood Johnstown developed from about 40 families in 1760 to 260 in 1773 (Letter 
of Sir William to Sec. Letter-book B, 2, p. 94.) The town owed its development to 
the encouragement of Sir William who among many benefactions presented it with 
a handsome stone church "near 90 feet in length with the Steeple & Chancel" and 
added "a Neat Organ that cost £100 Sterl. " Ibid. 

" See reference to a letter from John Wetherhead to Sir William, introducing Mr. 
Wall, dated Nov. 17, 1768. Calender of Sir William Johnson's Manuscripts, p. 406. 

«» Dec. 10, 1768. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 90. 

» Ibid. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 205 

ary power given him, by order of the Board in March 1769. " 80 
The salary was eventually fixed at £25 per annum. 61 Among 
Sir William's papers there is the following list of Mr. Wall's 
pupils, which, though it has no date, is presumably the enrol- 
ment of the school some time during the first year. 

"List of Scholaes at the Free School Johnstown 

Richard Young John Servos 

Peter Young John Miller 

Hendrick Young James M'Gregar 

Richard Cotter George Binder 

Hendrick Rynnion Christian Rider 

James Mordon Bernard Rider 

Daniel Cammel Simeon Scouten 

Samuel Davies Francis Bradthan 

Renier Vanisclan John Everot 

Jacob Veder Sarah Connor 

Randel M 'Donald Luny Rynnion 

John Foilyard Betsey Garlick 

Peter Rynnion Baby Garlick 

Peter Potman Rebecca Vanisclan 

Jacob Doran Caty Cammel 

Jeromy Doran Caty Garlick 

David Doran Mary M'Intyre 

Adam M 'Donald Peggy Potman 

Abraham Boice Eve Waldorff 

Caleb M'Carty Caty Waldorff 

Hendrick Callinger Leny Waldorff 

Jacob Servos Margaret Servos 

Catherine Servos 
Males & Females— 45 " 62 

The school had almost doubled this enrollment by 1772, Sir Wil- 
liam reporting as follows: "The School here is extremely prom- 
ising, and encreases very fast, the last return made to me by the 
Schoolmaster of the Number of Scholars, was Eighty six." 63 
Other statistics are not to be found. Though Whites and In- 
dians were enrolled, the proportion is not given and the list above 
does not aid us in this respect. The names seem to be those of 
English and Dutch children, 14 of the 45 being girls. 64 Evidently 
none of the children paid tuition. It was in reality a free school 
and the small salary given by the Society was added to by 

80 S. P. G. Journal, XVIII, pp. 371-2. In the first instance, the Society had agreed 
to allow £10 as salary. Sir William did not at first exercise his discretionary power 
and increase it. 

" S. P. G. Abstracts, 1770-1 to 1774-5. 

"Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV, p. 416. 

«» Oct. 18, 1772, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 93. 

•* Both Indians and half-breeds are doubtless in the list, since European names 
were being used among the Six Nations. 



206 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

the generosity of Sir William. In 1773 he wrote to the Society 
as follows: "By these actions the new Settlers, who were very 
poor and ignorant and of various Denominations, are now be- 
come much improved in their Manners, & Members of our 
Church, whilst the Free School, I erected near the same, con- 
tributes to enlarge ye understanding & confirm the faith of the 
rising generation, the prospect of which affords me much Satis- 
faction; I have promoted it hitherto as far as was in my power, 
and am heartily sorry that the circumstances of the People does 
not as yet enable them to lessen the charge they are to the So- 
ciety, & to myself." 65 

That Johnstown possessed a schoolhouse for Mr. Wall's use, 
is shown in the very interesting quotation herewith subjoined. 

" . . . The next thing I mean to refer to, is the Building of a new Free 
School house nearly in the Centre of the Free-School-House Lot in the form 
of an Academy; with a conveniency at the top, for a little Bell of the Hall; 
if this was to be done, the present School House might be removed upon one 
of the vacant lots in Town, and answer the End of a dwelling-house — as it 
would not be proper for to have the New Free School in the least incumbered, 
but to have the whole Lott fenced in neatly and Suitable Trees planted 
round the whole square. If these things was done, (which is of far greater 
Consequence than the Building of Blockhouses in Town) your Honour would 
then engage the attention of people, and perhaps them who live in the re- 
motest part of his present Majesty's Dominions." 66 

Mr. Wall gave general satisfaction as schoolmaster and the 
fact was certified to by Sir William and by the missionary at 
Johnstown. "The Schoolmaster," reported the latter in 1773, 
"is a very able and diligent man." 67 The minister went once a 
week to examine and catechise the children. 68 By June 1775 
Wall had left the school and gone to a place called "German 
flats." 69 His place was taken by a man named Rose of whom 
there is but one report to this effect : " There is a certain Mr. Rose 
who has had the Charge of the School at Johnstown; and as far 
as I can judge he discharges that Trust with Care & Fidelity. 
The Children under his Care, are catechized regularly in 



« Dec. 3, 1773, S. P. G. Letter-book., B. 2, p. 94. 

« John Cottgrave to Sir William, Johnstown, May 18, 1772, Doc. Hist, of N. Y.„ 
IV, p. 474. 

•' Rev. Mr. Mosley to Sec. May 19, 1773. S. P. G. Journal, XIX, p. 479. 

•s Ibid. 

«» June 8, 1775, Calender of Sir William Johnson's Manuscripts, p. 536. In Oc- 
tober 1772 Wall asked permission for John Thompson and himself to sell dry goods 
to the Indians. Ibid., p. 511. It does not appear to have been allowed by the 
Indian Commissioner and his retiring from the school may be related to that in- 
cident. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 207 

Church. " 70 The death of Sir William Johnson in 1774 occasioned 
a decline of the Society's interest in the school and no appoint- 
ment was made after the retirement of Edward Wall. Whether 
Wall took charge of instruction elsewhere cannot be stated, but 
it is certainly questionable. Until 1778, however, his name is 
listed as schoolmaster at Johnstown with an apparent compen- 
sation of £7 lOsh. from 1775 on. 71 

The Society's support of schools among the Indians is next to 
be noted. Conversion and civilizing of the American Indians 
began with the Jesuits of Canada at an early date and continued 
with tremendous zeal until after the French and Indian War. 
Scarcely an Indian settlement of the eighteenth century from the 
St. Lawrence to the Mississippi could have been found without 
evidences of the work of these assiduous priests. The Dutch 
gave the Indians little consideration save in the ordinary avenues 
of trade, and practically nothing of consequence was done by the 
English up to 1700. 72 The Crown, in the eighteenth century, 
paid for some time a small salary to the clergymen at Albany. 73 
In the first decade of the eighteenth century Rev. Mr. Freeman, 
a Dutch minister at Schenectady, translated a great part of the 
English liturgy, the morning and evening prayer, Athanasian 
creed and several chapters of the Old and New Testament into 
the Indian language. 74 The Indians received the attention of 
the S. P. G. from the first, and the latter came to realize at 
once that the difficulties of their civilization would be great. 
Most regrettable of all was the fact that neither their savage 
natures nor their wandering habits were such stumbling blocks 
as the bad lives of so many of the Europeans about them. The 
seeds of death had been well sown in the seventeenth century. 
"Their numbers daily diminish by drinking rum," wrote Rev. 



'o Rev. John Stuart to Sec, Oct. 27, 1775, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 203. 

71 See S. P. G. Abstracts for the different years. As in other instances they 
may be unreliable regarding this data. 

72 Save perhaps the earlier work of the Society for Propagating the Gospel among 
the Indians of New England. 

78 To Rev. Thomas Barclay and afterwards to his son Rev. Henry Barclay. This 
was in all from about 1707 to 1746. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 8. Rev. Henry 
Barclay was appointed Rector of Trinity, and soon after this Col. William Johnson 
(from 1755, Sir William, see Doc. Hist. N. Y. II., p. 703), took charge of Indian 
affairs. 

" Mr. Freeman to Sec. May 28, 1712, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 203. These 
papers for which the government promised him £75 per year, were by this letter 
put at the Society's service. At the same time, he declined the S. P. G. offer to 
appoint him to the Indians. Ibid. "The Indians," he said, "have a great venera- 
tion for the English Liturgy, especially the Litany, at which they frequently trem- 
bled." Ibid. 



208 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Mr. Freeman. 75 "As to the Indians, the natives of the country, 
they are a decaying people," wrote the Rev. G. Muirson of Rye 
in 1708. "We have not now in all this parish 20 Families, where- 
as not many years ago there were several Hundred. I have 
frequently conversed with some of them, and bin at their great 
meetings of pawawing as they call it. I have taken some pains 
to teach some of them but to no purpose, for they seem regard- 
less of Instruction — and when I have told them of the evil con- 
sequences of their hard drinking &c. they replyed that English- 
men do the same: and that it is not so great a sin in an Indian 
as in an Englishman, because the Englishman's Religion for- 
bids it, but an Indian's dos not, they further say they will not 
be Christians nor do they see the necessity for so being, because 
we do not live according to the precepts of our religion, in such 
ways do most of the Indians that I have conversed with either 
here or elsewhere express themselves." 76 

In the beginning of Queen Anne's reign some of the leading 
Sachems made touching appeals for religious instruction, and 
these were backed by similar representations from the Governor 
and other officials in the government of New York. The matter 
was laid before the Society with the result that Rev. Thorough- 
good Moor was sent to Albany to undertake this mission to the 
Indians. 77 Mr. Moor was not acceptable to the Indians and 
remained only a year. 78 The work of caring for them was 
assigned in 1709 to Rev. Thomas Barclay, in conjunction with 
the mi sion at Albany. Very soon after the appointment of 
Mr. Barclay, four Sachems of the Iroquois tribe visited England 
to lay a special appeal before the Queen. Considerable enthu- 
siasm was aroused in England. The matter was again referred 
to the Society and the result was the passing of the resolution, 79 
heretofore alluded to, which came very near to limiting the work 
of the Society to work among the Indians. Fortunately, how- 
ever, it did not. 

In response to the favorable recommendation of the Crown 
and the direct appeal of the Sachems, the S. P. G. undertook the 



" Ibid. 

" Ibid., A, 3, p. 168. Italics not in the original. 

77 Indeed the Society tried to engage the services of two Dutch ministers. Rev. 
Mr. Lydius and Rev. Mr. Dellius, who had done praiseworthy work among the Five 
Nations. S. P. G. Journal, I., June 18, Aug. 20, Oct. 15 1703; Mar. 17, 1704, Jan. 
18, 1706; Godfrey Dellius to Bishop of London, Oct. 11, 1703, Fulham Archives. 

« Report in S. P. G. Abstract 1706, p. 52. 

n See p. 31. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 209 

obligation of supplying the Mohawks with a special missionary. 
This was Rev. William Andrews, who began his labors in 1712 
at the Mohawks Castle at Onondage. 80 The "Castle" was only 
a short distance west of Schenectady and at the beginning of 
Mohawk Valley. Coincident with his coming, the French 
busied themselves to offset any possible influence that Mr. 
Andrews might build up. A story was started to the effect 
that instructions had been found, driven ashore from the English 
fleet in the " Canada river," in which plans were laid for the de- 
struction of all Indians. 81 And the traders, who feared an inter- 
ruptions of their gains, had it that Andrews was coming to claim 
a tenth of the Indians' possessions. 82 In the beginning, therefore, 
Andrews found it necessary to disabuse their minds of these 
fears, and he seems to have done it fairly well, being received 
with more than usual enthusiasm by the Mohawks and Oneidas. 83 
Mr. Andrews was to serve in the double role of minister and 
schoolmaster. He discovered that the Indians refused to have 
their children instructed in any but their own language. 84 With 
the Indian language as the sole medium of speech, Andrews was 
required to have two interpreters — one to translate into Dutch, 
and, since that one did not know sufficient English, another to serve 
between the interpreter and himself. He employed for the 
second interpreter Mr. John Oliver, former Clerk of the Albany 
Church, and put him, as assistant, in charge of the school. 85 
The cumbersomeness of this triangular method may be easily 
realized. It involved a heavy expense and was a burden which 
the Society put up with in a truly commendable manner. 
Andrew's salary allowance was £150 a year, 86 the interpreter 
was allowed £60, and the assistant £20 and afterwards £30 
per annum. 87 In 1716 a representation was sent to the King 



80 S. P. G. Letter-book, A. 8, p. 252. This person was not the Rev. William 
Andrews who was later at Schenectady. 

81 Ibid., A, 7, p. 214. 

82 Ibid., A, 8, p. 143. 

83 Though, as Governor Hunter said, "what was done by the Indians own de- 
sire & by their own request" they were so given to vacillating that he was not cer- 
tain of the possible attitude which Andrews might meet. But he hoped they would 
"be wiser than to contradict" their interests and desires. Ibid., A, 8, p. 252. 

84 Because the Indians believed, said Andrews, that " those who speak English 
& Dutch are the worst, because they learn the evils of the traders & soldiers. " Ibid., 
A, 8, p. 182. 

86 Dec. 17, 1712, Ibid., A, 8, p. 125. 

86 From the time of his assumption of duties. Prom the date of his appointment 
till then he was allowed at the rate of £80 per a nnum . Ibid., A, 7. p. 102. 
8 ' Ibid., A, 8, p. 329; Journal, II, p. 361; III, p. 127. 



210 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

setting forth the unusual expense of the work and asking that it 
be put upon a government foundation. 88 The proposal was not 
adopted, possibly for political reasons, and the Society retained 
the responsibility. 

In 1713 Mr. Andrews made the first report of the school in 
which he said: "The Indians have built a school 30 ft. long & 
20 ft. broad, & 40 boys & girls come to it, & they expect many 
more, for there are a great many children — some of 16 & 18 
years come — Mr. Oliver the Interpreter assistant is willing to 
undertake the school & serve the Interpreter for £30 p. a. he 
writes well, & knows the ways of the Indians." 89 The work of 
schoolmaster was impossible for Andrews himself to perform, he 
declared, because he had so much else to do, but he would see 
that it was well done and was sure the Society could not more 
usefully employ a schoolmaster than there. 90 In less than a 
year from this time he reported that the school did not succeed 
as well as he expected when he began, that after three or four 
months most of them grew weary and their overfond parents 
did not oblige them to learn against their inclinations. But he 
hoped that when they saw the progress of the constant scholars, 
"some of whom begin to read their language & write, " they would 
be more steady in attendance. Furthermore he was teaching 
three or four of them English, and had taken two of them into 
his own house. 91 His next report informs the Society that about 
twenty children are fairly regular at school, some of whom read 
fairly well, the best scholar being a young man, who is too lame 
to hunt with the others. The chief expedient to keep them 
regular in attendance, he finds, is to feed them, especially asthey 
fare very poorly in summer, having little else but wild roots, 
dried fish, and a little corn. 92 In 1716 only five or six children 
were in attendance and even these were irregular. As a reason 
for this Andrews charged the traders with decrying learning, 
which would take the Indians from hunting and do them no 
good, and with saying that, if they went to school, the Society 
ought to maintain them. "Whatever Andrews' success," wrote 
Governor Hunter, "he spares no pains," but, to convert the 



88 May 3, 1716, ibid.. A, 11, p. 34. This is the copy of the representation. 

8 » Sept. 7, 1713, ibid., A, 8, p. 182. 

»» Andrews to Col. Nicholson, Dec. 1, 1713, ibid., B, 1, p. 158. 

" Andrews to Society, May 25, 1714, ibid.. A, 9, 18 fol. p. 97. 

"July 12, 1715, ibid.. A, 10, p. 185. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 211 



Indians to civilized life, "there ought to be schools erected among 
them to teach the younger ones our language & religion. "»* 
Again Andrews reported towards the end of 1716: "Not more 
than 8 or 9 come to School." 94 Even the promise he made, "to 
write for blankets & shirts for those who attended school con- 
stantly," proved to be of little use in making them come. 95 In 
fact, the Society had in 1713 acted on the advice of Mr. Andrews 
and dispatched £5 worth of trinkets as an encouragement to in- 
duce attendance. The invoice of this curious consignment is 
subjoined: 

"Invoice of Sundrys shipt on Board the Drake John Tucker Mr. for New 
York on the proper account and Risque of the Hon ble and Rev d the Society 
for propagation of the Gospel in foreigne parts and goes consigned to the 
Rev d Mr. Wm. Andrews Missionary at the Mohawks Castle Vizt. 

A Box and Cord 

It. N. 1.2 Bundles bla & Green beads 

2.2 Bundles last Cristal & Amber & 
Colars 

3.4 Bunches of Small Red 

4.4 Do Larger 

5.4 D° Larger 

6.6 Doz. Sortd 

7.2 Doz. Large Do 

8.2 Doz. bone haft knives & some fork 

9.2 Doz. Boyes knives 
10.4 Doz. Roch Belly'd Do 
11.2 Doz. pr painted haft Do 
12.2 Doz. Spring knives 
13.1 Doz. Do Large 

14. 1 Doz. Small looking glasses in frames 

15.2 Doz. Do Large 

16.3 Doz. 8 Sqr Leather Guilt Do 
17.2 Doz. pictures in Guilt frames 
18.2 Doz. Small Stone Rings 
19 . 2 Doz. Large Do 3 Stones 

20 . 2 Doz. Do Coloured Stones 

21 . 4 Doz. Bath Mettle Rings 

22 . 3 Cords Coulored Sleeve Buttons 
23 . 3 Do with stones 



Cust° ffees & all charges on board 
ffra* prind on Bills of Ladeing 





4 


6 


Amber 
at 3s. 6d. 


7 




at 8 


2 


8 


10 


3 


4 


14 


4 


8 
6 


at 22 


3 


8 


: 14 


2 


4 


18 


3 




12 


4 




3 8 


7 


4 


2 


4 






2 


6 


es 


3 




3 6 


7 




at 6 


18 




18 


3 




6 


1 




12 


2 




14 


2 


4 


18 


6 





6 


1 


6 


8 


2 






Commission at 2% per cent. 
Except Errors p Rowld Tryon. 96 



5: 


1 


10 




6 







6 




5: 


13: 


10 




2 


8 


5: 


16: 


6 



s» Oct. 2, 1716, ibid.. A, 12, p. 238. 
"Oct. 11, 1716, ibid.. A, 12, p. 239. 
" Ibid., Journal, III, p. 291. 
« Feb. 1, 1713, ibid.. A, 8. p. 306. 



212 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

At the beginning of Andrew's labors the Society took steps to 
meet the great need of books in the Indian language and for 
this the translations offered by Mr. Freeman and others made 
by Andrew's interpreter were made use of. The manuscripts 
for a series of books were submitted to the Society in 1713 by 
Andrews. 97 Of the first 180 or 200 were desired, and as many 
Indian hornbooks. With these he asked that there be sent 
"2 or 3 dozen of English Hornbooks, & as many primers, 2 or 
3 reams of writing paper ... 6 doz. Inkhorns, & 6 doz. pen- 
knives." 98 The Society ordered the prayer books printed in 
New York, but decided that the hornbook, "to show respect to 
the Indians," should be printed in England." From the So- 
ciety's annual report for 1714-1715 we learn that "They have 
paid likewise an impression of Hornbooks in the Indian language 
and sent with them several dozen of Gilt Primers, Leathern Ink- 
horns, Pen Knives, Paper of several sorts, etc. as proper and en- 
gaging instruments for them to work with in the School, and 
have returned a manuscript Copy of Prayers for their Use, to 
be printed in the Indian Language also, at New York, where the 
Exemplars are likely to be more perfect than if worked off in 
Europe." 100 The account of the series of books prepared in 
New York certified to by Governor Hunter was forwarded to 
the Society in 1715, and duly allowed. It is as follows: 101 

July 1 The Rev. Mr. Wm. Andrews 

1715 To printing 18 sheets of the Common Prayer &C. in ye 
Mohawk Indian Language at 35s p. sheet 
To 10 Rheam of Paper at 16s 
To 1 Rheam of Paper at 25s 

To paper printing and making up 150 spelling books 
To making up 150 Indian Catechisms 
To binding 150 Indian Common Prayers at 12 d 
To making 50 ditto of five Paper 
To 2 boxes to pack them upon 





Dr. 




£ 


S 


d 


31 


10 





8 








1 


5 





1 










6 





7 


10 







4 


6 




4 


6 


50 









»' Ibid., A, 8, p. 187. The series when printed comprised: (1) Portions of the 
Prayerbook with family prayers and several chapters of the Old and New Testa- 
ments. (2) Horn-book, primer or spelling-book, and catechism with Prayers. 
Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 800. 

»s Ibid. 

89 March 4, 1713-14, S. P. G. Journal, II., p. 361. The horn-books Andrews re- 
ceived in July 1715 and duly acknowledged them. Letter-book, A, 10, p. 185. 

ioo Abstracts of Proceedings, 1714-1715. 

101 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 10, p. 239. According to the Treasurer's acct. this 
amounted to £33-6-8 sterling. Ibid., A, 10, p. 40. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 213 

This more than ample provision of books the Society determined 
to increase. In ordering the payment of the previous bill it was 
also agreed "that Andrews be directed to have printed in Quarto 
a number of Catechisms & following prayers in the said Collec- 
tion now sent over from fo. 1 to 21. interlineary for use of the 
Indan Children, & that he have printed a small Vocabulary 
Indian & English to be annexed to this — the whole charge not 
to exceed £20 ster. " 102 But these were never printed. 
"While the Indian children care so little for school," replied the 
missionary, "it would be useless to print more books or continue 
Schoolmasters, so will defer printing the Catechism & Vocabulary 
till further Orders." 103 

In discouragement Andrews advised that the schoolmaster- 
assistant be dismissed, that the Society might thereby be saved 
a needless expense, after which he would be able to assume charge 
of teaching those few that come. 104 Whereupon the suggested 
retrenchment was ordered. 105 The reports from Andrews for the 
following two years showed no improvement in the state of 
affairs and the abandonment of the mission was recommended. 106 
The opinion of Governor Hunter, as to the usefulness of the mis- 
sion and school, was sought by the Society. He replied by stat- 
ing that the work was a failure, not, however, through any "want 
or care or attendance on Mr. Andrews's part." 107 The mission 
was abandoned in 1719 108 and Mr. Andrews on quitting the 
Mohawks wrote thus to the Society: "I have left with the In- 
terpreter the Manuscript in the Indian Language vizt. St. Ma- 
thews Gospel, Expositions of the Church Catechism 2, one large 
and the other short, and Sermons &c. to give to the Indian Lad 
(but he was not at home when I came away) who has learn'd to 
write as well as to read, & can, and which is all that has learn'd 
to write he can read those Manuscripts very well and may make 
a good use of them to himself and others, if both are so well dis- 
posed and both for him and four Girls which are all that can 
read have left to each severall of the Books that were printed 



io2 Oct. 21, 1715, S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 95. 

"'Apr. 20, 1716, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 11, p. 317. 

"4 Oct. 11, 1716 ibid., A, 12, p. 239. 

los Sept. 20, 1717, S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 291. 

ins S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 12, pp. 310, 325, 327, 337. 

in? Nov. 4, 1718, ibid.. A, 13, p. 356; Journal, IV, p. 27. 

"8 s. P. G. Journal, IV, pp. 27, 78. 



214 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

in their own Language: more than they will ever make use of, 
if as the Interpreter tells me they will soon forget all again, that 
they have learn'd, as he says those did which Mr. Freeman a 
Dutch Minister formerly Taught to read, and indeed I perceive 
already that it is like to be so, for they take not delight in their 
Books and learn'd only for the sake of what was given them for 
their Encouragement, the rest of the printed books in ther lang- 
uage which are twelve dozen and three or four more, and allsoe 
the venerable Society's Books which I brought out of England 
both which I have left with Mr. Jenney Chaplain to the Gar- 
rison at New York, his Receipt of them is here Inclosed." 109 
Disappointment over the failure of Mr. Andrews' venture did 
not deter the Society from further effort to civilize the Six Na- 
tions. When Rev. John Miln assumed charge of the mission at 
Albany, 110 he undertook to care for the Indians, receiving there- 
fore an additional salary of £10 a year from the Society. 111 In 
1735 Hemy Barclay, son of the former missionary, was especi- 
ally commissioned as a catechist or schoolmaster, as is seen in 
the accompanying quotation from the S. P. G. proceedings: 
"Also a letter from Mr. Vesey & others of Clergy of N. York, 
N. Jersey & Connecticut, Nov. 20 1734, seating that by a letter 
from Mr. Miln sent them by Mr. Vesey they are infoimed of ihe 
inclination of the Mohawks to receive the Gospel, & that the 
present Interpreter at Fort Hunter is not qualified for this work. 
Also that young Mr. Barclay has spent 4 years & taken his de- 
gree at Newhaven College, but not being yet of age for priest 
orders would willingly be employed as catechist or schoolmaster 
among them, learn their language, & be thus able more effectu- 
ally to instruct them. Soc. heartily agree that this is a good work 
among Indians not only for propagating the Gospel among them, 
but also to secure them to the English interest & make a strong 
frontier barrier — Agreed to allow Barclay £20 as Catechist or 
Schoolmaster among Mohawks for one year from Michaelmas & 
the end of which Soc. will expect an account of his progress." 112 
Mr. Barclay's reports show the encouragement with which he 



"» July 2, 1719, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 465. 

no 1728-1736, Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 855. 

in S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 294. 

i« April 18, 1735, ibid., VI, p. 233. The interpreter was a man under encourage- 
ment from the Assembly, which allowed £30 per annum for his work. Ibid., Ill, 
p. 196. For letter of Mr. Miln to Mr. Vesey, see Letter-book, A, 25, p. 42. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 215 

entered upon this work. From his letter of August 31, 1736, the 
Secretary has noted the following: "From Henry Barclay to 
Sec. Fort Hunter, N. York, enclosing a certificate from the 
Commissioners fo>: the Management of Indian Affairs for New 
York province (in the absence of Mr. Miln) for his diligence & 
success in the Instruction of the Mohawk Indians. He has re- 
sided above 18 months among the Indians & has met with good 
success. He has made himself master of their pronounciation & 
performs divine services every Sunday which they constantly 
& devoutly attend, & understand him very well. He daily 
teaches above 40 young men and children to read & write in 
their own tongue, & most of them make great progress. . . . 
he finds the language very difficult without an interpreter, & if 
suitable encouragement were offered the interpreter employed 
by Mr. Andrews might easily be persuaded to reside at Fort 
Hunter for 2 or 3 years, during which time he (Barclay) might 
master there (sic) tongue, he has drawn on Treasurer for £20 
for his year's allowance this is very insufficient for his support, 
his necessary expences at Fort Hunter being double that — his 
board being £15 p. a. and he must keep a horse to get to the 
upper Town, 200 mis. away, as the Indians there expresses as 
great a desire of Instruction as they of the lower Town. He 
must give many trifles to them & must sometimes send 20 mis. 
for an interpreter at his own charge, so that he is still a great 
burden to his parents. He knows that the Soc's former & un- 
successful charges in this work has made them cautious, but un- 
less he saw a good prospect he would not undertake so laborious 
& difficult a task." 113 In 1736 the Albany mission became va- 
cant and Mr. Barclay was appointed to the combined post of 
missionary to the Mohawks and Albany. 114 To each of these 
he gave half his time, 115 but his personal ministration to the 
Indians seems to have been carried on through Church service 
rather than the school. Barclay's influence over the Indians 
was, however, very great. Born and reared in the neighbor- 
hood, he soon acquired a knowledge of the Indian language, 
which gave him the necessary efficiency and made him accept- 
able to the Mohawks. 116 



us S. P. G. Journal, VII, p. 85. 
i» Jan. 20, 1737, ibid., VII, p. 207. 
ii' Ibid., VIII, p. 34. 

ii« Ibid., VI, p. 236. Indeed, the difficulties experienced by Andrews were In 
p art due to a lack of these advantages. 



216 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Mr. Barclay, in 1740, petitioned for leave to appoint Indian 
schoolmasters to work among their own people. "I cannot 
omitt observing," he said, "the Absolute Necessity there is of 
having a School Master amongst them. I am much affraid that 
the Honbie Societys Bounty will not have that good Effect which 
they hope for unless some means could be found to instruct the 
Youth (upon whom my greatest hopes are Built) to read their 
own language — I have tried several ways to get an Allowance for 
that purpose, but have not succeeded, and must at last have re- 
course to that Charity which has done so much for them already. 
No people have ever greater need of It and perhaps in nothing 
so much as in this Affair. There are several Indians well quali- 
fied for that Office and I believe would be prevailled with to 
undertake It." 117 Having the approval of the Society, Mr. 
Barclay, "with the advice of the Lieut. Governor Clarke and 
the Indian Commissioners" appointed Indian schoolmasters at 
two of the Mohawk towns, "Cornelius, a Sachem, at the Lower, 
& Daniel at the Upper Town," with a salary of £10 each New 
York money. 118 

From 1742 until his transfer from the mission to the Rector- 
ship of Trinity Church in New York City, Barclay sent various 
faithful reports of the schoolmasters. From some of these the follow- 
ing abstracts are found in the Society's minutes: (1) May 31, 
1743, "The Indians still continue their good dispositions, & be- 
have exceedingly well, and attend the School very steadily, and 
make a great proficiency under the Schoolmaster who is very 
diligent, and takes great pains to teach them." 119 (2) November 
4, 1743, "The 2 Schools, under the 2 Indian Schoolmasters, are 
carried on with great diligence and no less success, particularly 
at the Lower Town, where the Master, besides his attendance 
on his School, instructs several young men and women, & is 
much beloved of his brethren, & reads prayers to themin the 
absence of Mr. Barclay." 120 (3) July 4, 1744, "He has drawn 
Bills for £15 St. for a year's expence of the 2 Indian Schools, 
viz. £10 that Currency to each of the 2 Indian Schoolmasters, for 



i" Oct. 18, 1740, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 141. 

us Nov. 17, 1742, ibid., B, 10, p. 112; Journal, IX, p. 133. The first town Onon- 
dage or Mohawks Castle has been given before, the "upper town" was Conajohare. 
According to the Abstracts of Proceedings the salary of each amounted to £7-10 
sterling. 

»• S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 199. 

>2o Ibid., IX, p. 232. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 217 

pen ink & paper £2-15-0, for house rent 10s for a writing table 
£1-0-0, for trifles given to the Indian children by way of en- 
couragement £1-16-0 in all £26-1-0 that currency, which at 
75% exchange leaves a balance of 4s out of £15 st. to be carried 
on to next years account." 121 In 1745 and 1746 the work fell 
upon evil days again. As a result of vicious reports circulated 
among them, the Indians became restless and suspicious. They 
were filled with the fear of a proposed massacre of all their 
tribes. 122 Mr. Barclay was also slandered. Referring to this he 
said: "I acquainted you in my last of some strong prejudices 
instill'd into their minds against my Person, by one Lydius an 
Indian Trader; especially with Regard to the Schoolmaster's 
Salary; I am sorry to find that no mention has been made of 
that affair in that last abstract of the Society's Proceedings. 
This same wicked man has not ceased ever since to make me 
as odius to the Indians as possible by instilling New Jealousys 
into their minds telling them I had an annual allowance of £100 
Sterling in Goods to be Distributed among them, all which I 
had converted to my own use So that I pass'd the Two last Years 
in a very Disagreeable manner and have been able to do but 
little Good amongst them." 123 As a result of the agitation, the 
two schoolmasters left their respective schools. 

In order to provide books for the school, Mr. Barclay was 
granted £5 in 1737 "for procuring translations of parts of Scrip- 
tures &c. in the Mohawk's language instead of the usual tracts, " 
to which £2 was added in 1740. 124 Again in 1741 the sum of 
£20 was given to enable him to complete the translation of 
other books. 125 Packets of books were also dispatched from 
England. 126 

Rev. John Ogilvie followed Mr. Barclay in the mission, and 
officiated from 1749 until 1763. 127 This included the period of 
the French and Indian War. "The advantage of the mission to 



121 Ibid., IX, p. 347. The " £15 st. " spoken of at the end of the excerpt has ref- 
erence to a benefaction of £50 donated by an "unknown person" in England to the 
work among the Mohawks. Ibid., VIII, p. 216. Two other benefactions of Ave 
guineas each were given directly to Mr. Barclay for this work. S. P. G. Letter- 
book, B, 10, p. 196; B, 13, p. 38. 

122 ibid., B, 13, p. 316. The Indians were told that Barclay was in the plot. 
"' Dec. 2, 1746, ibid., B, 14, p. 95. 

124 S. P. G. Journal, VII, p. 207; VIII, p. 232. 

125 "At least one of the Gospels & the Bp of Man's Essay towards an Instruction 
for the Indians." Ibid., IX, p. 27. 

126 In 1740 and 1743, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 141; B, 10, p. 196. 

127 Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 856. 



218 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

the English," it has been asserted, "became apparent to al 
during the wars in which the country was involved, the Mo- 
hawks joining the British troops, and being 'the only Indian 
nation' which 'continued in our interest.'" 128 On the recom- 
mendation of Col. William Johnson, the Indian Commissioner, a 
schoolmaster was once more appointed for the upper Mohawk 
town in 1750. Col. Johnson's letter announced that the Indian, 
Petrus Paulus, had already undertaken to teach the youth of 
that place and, if the Society would allow him a salary for con- 
tinuing in the work, it would be counted a great favor to both 
"Castles." 129 Petrus Paulus was, in view of these facts, voted 
a yearly bounty of £7-10. 130 No appointment was made for the 
lower town at this time. Petrus Paulus served only a short while 
and the nature of his work is not known. Mr. Ogilvie 
reported, in 1753, that he had been dead for some 
time. 131 In his place, Ogilvie recommended another Indian 
named Paulus, for the upper town, which recommendation 
the Socitey confirmed and voted the previous salary. 132 During 
these changes, the loyalty of the Society to the cause did not 
wane. Its attitude was well defined by the Secretary who sent 
the following letter to the Rector of Trinity in New York. "The 
Society are much concern'd, " he said, "at the present disorderly 
State of the Mohawks & have at heart the Instruction of their 
Children & I have particular Orders to desire you & Mr. Ogilvie 
to advise with Colonel Johnson & to propose to the Society what 
you shall judge to be the most proper Method for their Educa- 
tion, & at the same time to inform the Society whether any as- 
sistance may be hoped from the Government of New York 
towards bearing the Expense." 133 Mr. Barclay returned word 
that he had delivered the suggestion regarding the Indians to 
the Lieut. -Governor, who promised to lay it before the Assembly, 
but that nothing had been done. 134 



»» Ibid., p. 73. 

»» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 17, p. 118. 

1,0 S. P. G. Journal, XI, p. 2.59. His father, Sachem Abraham, was at the same 
meeting voted a gratuity of £5 for reading prayers to the Indians for several years 
past. Ibid. 

i" Ibid., XII, p. 308. July 19, 1753. 

»" Ibid., Dec. 21, 1753. 

"s Aug. 1, 1753, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 20, p. 341; also Journal, XII, p. 136. 

i» June 5, 1754, ibid., XII, p. 3. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 219 

Mr. Ogilvie, on his visits to the Indian village in 1754 and 
1755, found the school in satisfactory condition. He so reported, 
■desiring at the same time that a school be again started at the 
lower town. It is entered in the Society's minutes as follows: 
"Paulus is very diligent, & teaches above 40 children daily — 
sevi begin to read, & some to write they learn the Ch. Cate- 
chism & have made considerable progress in Psalmody — The 
Indians of the lower castle, having signified their desire to have 
a Schoolmaster, as they formerly had, Mr. Ogilvie thinks it would 
be of considerable service, as there are a large number of prom- 
ising children." 135 Power was given the missionary to secure 
another schoolmaster as desired, but this was not carried out 
until after the war. Paulus on the other hand continued in the 
school at upper town, but his attendance on the work was not 
regular. The fortunes of war at times made this impossible. 136 
But when he could have attended to the school, he was so taken 
up with war parties, it was complained to Mr. Ogilvie, that he 
had greatly neglected it. 137 In 1761 the school was still in exist- 
ence but it is not certain whether Paulus or another Indian was 
in charge. 138 In 1762 an abstract of a letter from Rev. Mr. 
Oel, assistant to Mr. Ogilvie for the upper Indian Country, 
refers again to the school. Mr. Oel indicates, in a fairly clear 
manner, that the person then in charge was not Paulus. He 
says: "His (Mr. Oel's) congregation formerly more than 30, is 
by the war & disease among the Indians & other accidents, re- 
duced to 12 or 13, but hopes it may be recovered by erecting a 
school for young & old under the care of a young Indian, who 
reads & writes that language elegantly, & has a zeal for propagat- 
ing the Gospel — He has already above 30 Scholars, but Mr. Oel 
fears he will not be able to attend the school & his other labours 
without some supply. He asks that Soc. will add to the salary 
he draws for once in 2 years, wh. he will faithfully bestow on the 
sd Indian teacher. The Treasurer informed that Mr. Oel has 
drawn £22-10 more than his salary, it was agreed that Mr. Oel 
is not to draw for any more, till that debt be paid, wh. will not 



i« Dec. 27, 1755, ibid., XIII, p. 183. 

»»« More than once during the war "the Mohawk River was a Scene of all the 
Horrors of War, with continual Circumstances of the most horrid Cruelty. " Mr. 
Ogilvie to Society, 1758. Abstracts of Proceedings, 1758-1759. 

i" S. P. G. Journal, XIV., p. 186, Feb. 25, 1759. 

«s Ibid., XV. p. 203 — abstract of a letter from Rev. Mr. Oel to Sec. mentioning 
"'a certain Indian who teaches in it." 



220 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

be till mid-summer 1764. Commee recommended a small gra- 
tuity to be given to the Indian lad, who is so useful to Mr. Oel, 
Agreed, and that it be such as Dr. Johnson shall think proper, 
not exceeding £5. m39 Dr. Johnson wrote in reply to the Sec- 
retary, September, 1762, that he had made "what inquiries he 
could at that distance," and could get no information about 
Paulus, but supposed he might be keeping a little school in one 
of the small clans. 140 On the other hand the name of Paulus 
recurs among the list of schoolmasters in the Society's abstracts 
of proceedings until the year 1769. 141 The writer is inclined to 
question whether he performed very much service after 1759. 
With Paulus the attempt to educate the Indians exclusively 
in their native tongue came to an end, and the subsequent school- 
master of the Society maintained English schools. This change, 
it appears, met with the approval of the Indians, who now began 
to show a great desire to learn the English tongue. Early in 
1762 a memorial was received by the Society in behalf of the ap- 
pointment of Mr. Cornelius Bennet as catechist and school- 
master to the Mohawks. This was from Dr. Johnson of the 
New York College and it contained the following extract: "But 
what I chiefly aimed at in writing, was to give you an account 
of a worthy gentleman of Boston Government, whose name is 
Bennet, & was lately with me. He seems inspired with an 
earnest desire of doing his Utmost towards converting the Mo- 
hawks & Senecas & other Tribes of Indians, & came to be di- 
rected by Dr. Barclay & me in pursuit of that design having been 
well known to us both many years ago. He was bred & grad- 
uated at Newhaven College. After which he kept a School at 
Stratford, & resided with me: & having never been baptized, 
was then baptized with me, & has been a very serious person 
ever since. He was many years Master of Mr. Kay's Grammar 
School at Rhode Island, & is a very good Grammarian & would 
teach the Mohawk Children, which would give him opportunity 
(in pursuance of the Society's Design you mentioned to me of 
educating some Indian Lads at this Colledge) to look out some 
& prepare them to be sent hither for further Education. He is 



"» Prom a minute of the meeting of Dec. 17, 1762, ibid., XV, p. 294. This school- 
master was very likely Philip Jonathan, who was teaching in Canajohare in 1764, 
See his letter to Sir Wm. Johnson, Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV, p. 339. 

""Sept. 16, 1762, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 92. 

111 See Abstracts for the various years. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 221 

-about 50 years old, but seems to have a firm Constitution, how- 
ever being so far advanced, he declines going so far for orders, & 
chuses to act only as a Catechist under the Minister of Albany. 
He has a little Competency of an Estate, which he would have 
left with his Family, & desired only so much Salary, as may be 
sufficient to Support his own person in his undertaking." 142 
The Society at once took the proposal under consideration, 
pending more adequate reports from their agents then in the 
field. 143 After waiting for a year Mr. Bennet made an appeal 
for assistance to the missionary at Cambridge in New England, 
by which means his design became known to the New England 
Society. From both Church people and the non-Church Society 
Bennet received sufficient encouragement to warrant his initiat- 
ing the work at Mohawk Castle, which he did about September 
1763. l44 The generosity of the New England Society is shown 
in the subjoined document: 

At a meeting of the Commissioners of the Society for propagating the Gospel 
among the Indians in New-England and Parts adjacent in America 22 July 
1763. 

Mr. Cornelius Bennet of Middleborough having offered himself to go as a 
Catechist to the Mohawks, and been in treaty with the Rev d Doc r Johnson 
and Doc r Barclay about going, Voted that the Commissioners will allow 
Twenty pounds lawfull Money for one year for his encouragement in the 
Service, and advance one quarter's Salary to enable him to prepare for and 
prosecute his journey to the Mohawk Castle provided the Rev d D r Johnson 
and D r Barclay shall approve hereof. 

And that the Treasurer write to Doc r Johnson and acquaint him that the 
Commissioners have not officiously engaged in this affair, but as it has been 
Mentioned to them from his Excell c y the Governor and the Revd Mr Apthorp 
they readily fell in with the proposal to manifest their desire of uniting with 
them in propagating our common Christianity among the Indians. And that 
whenever the Doc r shall think fit that Mr Bennet should proceed, the 
Treasurer advance the Quarters salary as aforementioned. 

A. Oliver, 

Treasr. 145 

On receiving information of the above action, the Society con- 
ferred on Bennet a salary of "£40 for 1 year to commence at the 
same time with that allowed him by the Commissioners," 146 and 
subsequently continued it. 147 A gift of 20 copies of Fisher's 



" 2 Extract from Dr. Johnson's letter of Oct. 9, 1761 .enclosed in a letter to the Arch- 
bishop, Feb. 27, 1762. Lambeth Archives 1123, III, p. 250. 
i« S. P. G. Journal, XV, p. 190. 

>« Lambeth Archives, 1123, III, p. 317. He was stationed at the lower town. 
»s s. P. G. Letter-book, B, 23, p. 412. 
i« Oct. 28, 1763, S. P. G. Journal, XVI, p. 6. 
■»« Ibid, XVI, pp. 149, 330. 



222 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

"Childs Christian Education & 12 small common prayer books" 
was also made. 148 

Mr. Bennet's first report was forwarded in March, 1764. It 
was set forth the following facts: ". . . A letter is enclosed 
from Mr. Bennet, Catechist to the Mohawks, that he has begun 
instructing the Indians, & has a fine company of lively pretty 
child en, boys & girls, who, though ignorant of learning at their 
first coming, are very ingenious & orderly — They hear prayers 
morning & evening, learn to read English, are catechised in the 
Mohawk tongue, are taught obedience to their parents, the ob- 
servation of the Lord's day, respect to their superiors, & 
a courteous civil behaviour. This is the only English School 
ever known here, & by a divine blessing may in some measure 
soothe & mollify their wild fierce tempers. The parents are so 
well pleased with their children's improvement that they send 
them for instruction from Indian town 30 miles up the river, & 
it greatly concilates their minds towards the English. As there 
is no Doctor near, Mr. Bennet visits the poor Indians, when 
they are sick & infirm." 149 In November, 1764, the schoolmaster 
returned to New England 150 for reasons explained in the ac- 
companying letter, which was the second and last report of his 
work among the Mohawks: "After some Gentlemen in Boston 
had Subscribed towards my Support as a Catechist, and a School- 
master among the Mohawks for a Year; and the Commissioners 
had made a Grant to me of Twenty Pounds New England Cur- 
rency for the same time; as soon as I could prepare my Self I set 
out on my journey and arriving at Sir William Johnson Seat was 
kindly received by him. And the Indians being informed of my 
design met me there. When the reason of my coming among 
them, being minutely examined after their way, was well ap- 
proved, Then Lodgings and a School was provided for me & Boys 
& Girls Sent to me and Sometime young men and young women 
as their Hunting and other Business allowed, where I have 
diligently instructed them in Reading, Writing, and the Church 
Catechism, in the English Tongue and Civilizing their ways 
and Manners. They seem forward and willing to be taught 



»«2Md., p. 149. 

"» Abstract of Bennet's letter inclosed with one from Rev. Mr. Apthorp, March 
12, 1764. ibid., XVI., p. 148. 

»«S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 22, p. 71. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 223 

and passively obedient in School, their parents use me kindly 
and Sir William Johnson well approves of the Scheme. The 
season of Hunting began in October and will continue till Jan- 
uary and almost the whole Tribe are gone out with their Familys 
and the Small pox being likely to Spread among the remaining 
Indians and Dutch people there: hath induced me to return to 
New England for sometime where I shall endeavour to do what 
Service I am able among the Narraganset Indians or elsewhere 
until I can safely return to the Mohawks again who have mani- 
fested a desire for it and also to have a Missionary in their Tribe 
and I humbly beg leave to offer it as my opinion that if they 
had one who would kindly and tenderly use them and diligently 
and affectionately Instruct them in our holy Faith and Charity, 
they would forsake their evil practices and be an Example for the 
other Tribes to follow. I am Learning their Language and Com- 
posing a Vocabulary & Nomenclature which if effected will be 
Serviceable to the Six Nations." 151 Regarding Bennet's ef- 
ficiency, it was reported that Sir William Johnson was extremely 
well pleased. The Indians, too, liked him and were desirous for 
his return, but after a long illness he died early in 1766. 152 

By 1765 the Society seemed inclined to rely, for the future, 
upon such service as the missionary at Albany could render 
among the Mohawks. 153 But through the earnest representa- 
tions of Sir William Johnson and certain missionaries in both 
New York and Pennsylvania, renewed activity was soon set on 
foot. Indeed this was partly due to another cause. The New 
England Society, which had, since 1748, given some attention 
to tribes on the Mohawk river, became unusually active after 
the war. The leader in this movement was Rev. Dr. Wheeiock, 
who introduced a number of missionaries and schoolmasters, in 
the hope of reclaiming the Indians. 154 Headquarters were es- 
tablished at Lebanon, Connecticut, where a school was erected. 1 " 
From this place W T heelock sent his agents into the west to in- 
struct the Indians and to serve as feeders to the Lebanon school. 
The following information regarding the Wheeiock plan was 
given the Society: "A Society of Gentlemen in N. England have 



i« Ibid., B, 22, p. 72. The letter is undated. 

»" Feb. 25, 1766, ibid., B, 22, p. 73. 

»' S. P. G. Journal, XVI, p. 330. 

»« Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV, pp. 505-6. 

»" See correspondence between Wheeiock and Sir William. Ibid., pp. 314 ff. 



224 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

set up an Indian School under the direction of Mr. Wheelock, a 
dissenting preacher — Young probationers are sent from their 
Colleges into the woods, where they stay till they have prevailed 
upon the Indians to send some of their children to this school 
with whom they return, & then others are sent. Mr. Barton saw 
one of these Missionaries at Sir W. Johnson's returning from the 
Indian country with 5 or 6 Indian Boys, which appears to be the 
most plausible method to civilize these rude & barbarous crea- 
tures, & to prepare them for the reception of knowledge & re- 
ligion, & is highly worthy of imitation." 156 The scheme at once 
appealed to the Society's interest, and word was sent that every 
plan for the instruction of Indians was highly approved and 
every opportunity would be taken to promote it. In the mean- 
time the Society desired to have pointed out what particular 
method could best be pursued. A plan was accordingly sub- 
mitted by a Pennsylvania missionary, the outline of which is 
shown in the abstract following: 

From Rev. Mr. Barton, Lancaster, Pensyl. 
In answer to See's letter of May 26, he proposes 3 schools for Indians, each 
consisting of at least 10 boys. The first school to be set up in the Mohawk 
River & to be incorporated with the Free School, which Sir W. Johnson intends 
to erect & endow near Johnson Hall, for the use of his tenants, & the master to 
be subject to Sir Wm's direction. The second to be at Fort Pitt, under the 
protection of the Commanding officer there for the time being, subject to 
such rules as the Soc. may think conducive to the prosperity of it. The third 
to be placed in the back parts of S. Carolina, under the care of the superin- 
tendent of Indian affairs for the Southern district. These 3 schools, suppos- 
ing them to consist in all of 30 boys will not exceed the following expence. 

£ 

To dieting & lodging each boy £7-0-0, 30 boys 210 

To clothing Do 2-0-0 60 

To books & paper for Do 1-0-0 30 

To the Master of each School 50-0-0 150 



In all for 3 schools 450 

He would willingly hope this heavy expence will not fall entirely upon 
Soc. The civilizing & instructing the Indians ought to be a public concern, 
as it will be a public benefit. For till the fierce & cruel tempers of these poor 
barbarians are softened, & subdued by knowledge his Majesty's American 
subjects can never expect a lasting peace with them. Nothing but extending 
the light of Knowledge to them will ever conciliate them to us, or secure 
effectually the Frontier Settlements from their blood-thirsty designs — Euro- 
pean missionaries residing in their country can expect to do but little service 
among them when Missionaries from amongst the Indians themselves, by 
being accustomed to their modes & manner of living, by being able to attend 
them in their long excursions, & to instruct them in their own language, may 



"« From Rev. Mr. Barton, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Society, S. P. G. Journal, 
XVII., pp. 77-8. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 225 

do a great deal. Such missionaries would in a little time persuade their 
wandering tribes to incorporate with civil Society, & to settle to village and 
the cultivation of their lands — Could they once be brought to this, every diffi- 
culty, that now lies in the way of their instruction & conversion from a wretched 
& destructive idolatry to the religion of Jesus Christ, would soon vanish. And 
there appears to him no scheme more likely to accomplish this most desirable 
end, than that of erecting Indians Schools, which would soon supply the 
Society with proper persons to carry the glad tidings of Salvation to the deluded 
Heathen. The difficulty of finding Masters, who understand the Indian 
language, & are men of prudence & good morals, He hopes Sir W. Johnson 
will be able to remove. 157 

The proposal was approved, to the extent of one school as a be- 
ginning. The Society by resolution, "Agreed that an Indian 
School for 10 Indian boys be established on the Mohawk River 
under the direction of Sir W. Johnson & that the Soc. will con- 
tribute towards the expence of the said School, what Sir Wm. 
shall find necessary not exceeding the sum of £150 p. a. & that 
Sr. Wm. be desired to provide a proper Schoolmr." 158 The 
plan of Sir William Johnson was forwarded to the Society about 
this time, and was adopted in preference to the Wheelock scheme 
of segregation in boarding schools, which Mr. Barton advocated. 
Sir William wrote as follows: "Mr. Wheelock's plan seems a 
laudable one, but give me leave to remark that many of these 
Schemes which had their birth in N. England have soon ap- 
peared Calculated with a View to forming Settlements so ob- 
noxious to the Indians who have repeatedly declared their aver- 
sion to those who acted on such interested principles. All the 
good lands in N. England being thick Settled they are extremely 
desirous of Migrating and have created much disturbance by 
attempting it. Another objection is, that those brought up 
under the care of Dissenting Ministers become a gloomy race, 
and lose all their abilities for hunting &c. spending their time in 
idleness and hanging upon the Inhabitants for a wretched sub- 
sistence, having lost those qualities which rendered them usefull 
to us, without acquiring any others in their place worthy the 
name of Christians, to which indeed they have little or no pre- 
tensions, all which discountenance Religion with the rest of the 
Indians. I have just heard from the Revd Mr. Auchmuty of 
N. York on the Subject of the Society's intentions, and I am on 
that head of opinion that a Mission established at the lower 
Mohawks, with proper help would draw the Oneidas and others 



»" Nov. 10, 1766, ibid., XVII, p. 281f. 
i« Ibid., p. 287. 



226 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

thither for Learning, . . . but constant residence and an 
exemplary life must be expected from him to insure success. 
This Mission might indeed be established at the Upper Mohawks 
or Conajohare, but what is still an object of more importance is 
the Conversion of the Senecas who exceed 1000 men, & their 
Neighbours are much more numerous to the Westward who 
would follow their example. To this end a Mission, or schools 
should be established under some good Divine about Oneida or 
Onondaga to either of which the Senecas &c. might conveniently 
come; this Divine to be assisted by a good Catechist and as there 
are some Mohawk Lads who are in some Measure qualified to 
act as Ushers their presence would encourage the rest, to resort 
thither so that in a short time some would be qualified to take 
Orders & return with Abilities & natural interest to promote 
the aith amongst the rest. This is a rough Sketch on which 
I shall enlarge at some other time, and with a View farther to 
promote it." 159 

With prompt concurrence the Society resolved to provide 
missionaries and assistants. 160 Difficulty arose, however, in 
procuring suitable persons who were willing to undertake the 
work at the remote localities. Especially was this true of 
missionaries. 161 But in 1770 Rev. John Stuart, a native of Penn- 
sylvania and graduate of the College of Philadelphia, was or- 
dained and commissioned solely to the Mohawk Indians. Here 
he ministered to the neighboring tribes until in 1778 he became 
a prisoner of war. 162 The selection of the schoolmaster was put 
in the hands of Sir William Johnson with the power to fix a 
salary not exceeding £25 or £30. 163 The satisfaction that this 
co-operation gave Sir William is observed in the following: "I 



i" Oct. 8, 1766, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 86. Writing somewhat later Sir 
William again declared that the primary thing to be done for the Indians was, to 
quote his own words: "to establish on some regular system proper Missionaries & 
Schools in most of their Towns which is the only effectual means of Converting & 
Reducing them to Order. A few straggling Missions or Schools out of their Country 
will never answer the end proposed the more distant Indians being extremely averse 
to sending their Children abroad for Instruction, and if they did, they are too apt 
to relapse afterwards, of which I have seen examples amongst the best of them suf- 
ficient to Justify my opinion." Apr. 26, 1770, ibid., B, 2, p. 92. This observation 
of Sir William has been justified time and again in the experience of Indian schools 
generally. 

"o S. P. G. Journal, XVII, p. 225. 

i6i "The dificulty of procuring able and Conscientious Missionaries for the In- 
dians, I fear will be very great. I will try what I can do here, and hope you will 
do the same." Rector of Trinity to Sec, May 1, 1767, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, 
p. 23. 

i«2 Classified Digest, op. cit., pp. 73, 856; Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV. pp. 428,507^ 

i» S. P. G. Journal, XVIII, p. 90, Jan. 20, 1769. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 227 

have still the Honour of Corresponding with Sir William John- 
son upon the Subject of Indian Schools, No Man can be warmer 
in the Interest of the Church than this most worthy Gentleman. 
It seems to be his constant wish to see the Plan of Indian Schools 
properly carried into Execution." 164 

In March 1769 Mr. Colin McLeland was put in charge of a 
school at the lower town by the Commissioner, who thus in- 
formed the Society: "I have fixed a Worthy, honest Man as a 
Schoolmaster at the Mohawks who tho' there only since the 24th 
of March has already 30 Indian Children under his Tuition, who 
improve very fast, and their Numbers will be shortly augmented. 
. . . The Name of . . the School Master is Colin McLe- 
land." 165 Sir William's information concerning the enrolment 
was based on the list of children forwarded to him by McLeland 
at the end of August, 1769. According to it the school opened 
in April, and soon after was being attended by the Indians whose 
names are herewith given: 

Mohawk School at Fort Hunter. 

Begun to open School April ye 17th, 1769. 

Aug* 28th 1769 A list of The Indians Children belonging to the Free 
School at Fort Hunter near the Mohawk River in the 
County of Albany and Province of New York with 
their Tribes. 

Bear Tribe David, David, Abraham, John, Jacob, Peter, Joseph, 
Adam, Brant, Kreenas, Johannes, Peter, Nellithe, 
Nellithe (Females) 15 

Wolf Tribe Thomas, Paul, Jacob, John, Daniel, Catherine, Sus- 
anna, Catherine (Females) 8 

Turtle Tribe Isaac, Joseph, Daniel, Jacob, Thomas, Christianna, 

Catherine. (Females) 7 

Total 30 

P r Colin Mc(Leland) Schoolmaster S r Accordinging to your Direction I 
have sent your Honour this List. 166 



»« Rev. Mr. Barton to Sec, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 21, p. 18. 

i« Dec. 10, 1769, ibid., B, 2, p. 90. It may be pointed out that the Johnstown 
school admitted Indians as well and may therefore be thought of as a part of thia 
work. It is further stated in the Abstracts for 1769-70 that "The Society has given 
encouragement to Mr. Hall, a graduate in the college at Philadelphia, to go 
to Conajohare, there to learn the Indian language, that he may be qualified to be 
Catechist and schoolmaster in that place, till such time as he shall be able to come 
over for Holy Orders." Mr. Hall was recommended to the Society May 26, 1770, 
(ibid., B, 21, p. 266) and he was accordingly voted " £40 a year for his support in 
going among the Indians" (Aug. 17, 1770, Journal XVII, p. 396). But a letter 
of June 20, 1771, says that Mr. Hall seems to decline his appointment at Conajohare 
(Letter-book, B, 21, p. 24.). On the other hand the Indians of that upper town 
complained that they were given no school and were thus neglected. To prevent 
this Sir William at his own expense, maintained a schoolmaster for them from 1772 
until his death, 1774 (ibid., B, 2, p. 94.). Sir. William's schoolmaster may have 
been the Indian, Philip Jonathan (Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV., p. 339). 

"6 Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV, p. 417. The Bear tribe shows fourteen and not fif- 
teen names. 



228 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

From the missionary at Albany we have a report of the school 
in 1770. It says: "Two Days following, on my return to Al- 
bany I waited on the Sachems of the Lower Castle, & visited the 
Indian School, which I can assure the Society is in a very prom- 
ising way. The Schoolmaster is universally beloved by the 
Indians, & their Children are making considerable Proficiency 
under his care, both in Reading & Writing." 167 The final report 
of the school and the only available report from McLeland him- 
self is one which he forwarded to the Society in 1775. It is pos- 
sible that he did not make regular reports to the S. P. G. directly, 
as the following would seem to indicate: " During the life of the 
late woithy Sir William Johnson, I gave in yearly to him an 
account of the Number of Schollars and their Proficiency and he 
took my Draughts on the Society, for which he gave me Cash. 
Since his Decease I have continued My Attendance on the School 
as usual, and as I have had no particular Instructions from the 
Society to make my Returns to any other Person; I have pre- 
sumed to write to that Venerable Body. The State of the School 
is as follows, I have Twenty four Schollars four of which Read 
in the Bible and the rest are in their Spelling Books and learn 
very fast. I attend school from Eight o'Clock till twelve, and 
from One till five in the afternoon. I live in Harmony with the 
indians as I understand their language." 168 Mr. McLeland re- 
mained at his post for some years after this, but the nature of 
his school is not known. With the serious struggles that the 
Mohawk country witnessed during the Revolution, the loss of 
Sir William's encouragement, and the subsequent flight of the 
missionary, little could have been hoped for in the way of educa- 
tion. The Society continued, however, to honor McLeland's 
bills until 1782. 169 

Though no record of the fact has been found, 170 suitable 
English books were doubtless transmitted from London. Sir 
William Johnson about 1769 provided a second and enlarged 
edition of the earlier Indian prayer-book. This edition was 



is' Rev. Harry Munro to Sec, Sept. 25, 1770, ibid., B, 3, p. 271. 
168 Apr. 20, 1775, ibid., B, 3, p. 342. 

"• "Ordered McLeland's bills be paid to 1782 only." March 21, 1783, S. P. G. 
Journal, XXIII, p. 171. 

I'oWith this exception: In reply to Mr. Johnson's letter of 1773 announcing the 
want of proper books, the Society agreed to send primers and psalters when he 
should indicate what sort were most wanted. Ibid., XX, p. 83. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 229 

printed by Mr. Hugh Game at his New York Press. 171 In the 
Society's abstracts for 1774-75, we find one other reference to 
books, as follows: "The Indians frequently complain of the want 
of books in their own language. In order to supply this want 
Mr. Stuart was encouraged by the late Sir William Johnson to 
undertake a translation of a part of the New Testament, which 
Sir William promised to print at his own expense, and with the 
assistance of an Indian who understands English, Mr. Stuart 
hath prepared a Mohawk translation of St. Mark's Gospel, a 
large and plain exposition of the Church Catechism, and a com- 
pendious History of the Bible. But now having lost the gen- 
erous encourager of this and every good work he applies to the 
Society for their assistance and will not fail of obtaining it, when 
they are assured of the fidelity of the translation." 

What has been given herewith, covers the actual achievement 
of the Society among the New York Indians. It seems advis- 
able to the writer to add to this some evidence of a comprehen- 
sive and far-reaching policy for the civilizing of the Indians 
which the Society, its agents, and its friends attempted to have 
supported by the government and people of Great Britain. This 
will occasion a reference back to the proposal made by Sir Wil- 
liam Johnson, the King's Indian Commissioner, and its adop- 
tion by the Society. That such a scheme could not be carried 
to completion by the Society single-handed was well realized 
in England as in America. When the Society had taken the 
first steps in this plan, Rev. Charles Inglis, the assistant rector 
of Trinity Church, wrote the Society, as follows: "After the 
Appointment of Mr. Stuart with so large a Salary from the So- 
ciety tho' not larger than necessary & of a Schoolmaster, . . . 
I concluded the Society would not, from the low state of their 
Funds, have it in their Power to do any more towards erecting 
new Indian Missions. In this opinion I am confirmed by your 
last Letter. We must therefore turn our Eyes to Government 
for what may be done further." 172 Somewhat before this Sir 
William Johnson expressed a similar view, to wit: "Two or 
Three People from New England have collected Ten or Twelve 
Thousand Pounds Sterling for Mr. Wheelock's Schools and the 
Government has allowed a Bishop to the Canadians, and as I 



i'i Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 800. 

i" Maxell 8, 1771, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 66. 



230 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

hear established a French Missionary lately in Nova Scotia at 
£100 stg. pr. Annum, I can therefore hardly think from these 
Instances in favour of other Persuasions that a proper applica- 
tion to his Majesty for his Royal Patronage & assistance in 
favour of a Plan of such great and extensive Utility could fail 
of success, and I should likewise think that thro' the Interest 
of his Grace, of Canterbury, the Bishop & the Society, this 
might not only be effected, but a handsome Sum collected in 
England, for these truly laudable purposes." 173 

Measures were immediately taken by these gentlemen and 
other friends of the movement to memorialize the government 
of England in behalf of all the nations of the Iroquois. During 
its preparation the advice and co-operation of the S. P. G. was 
sought by means of the following letter: 

"One princpal Reason for my going to Sir William Johnson's where the 
Mohawks requested Dr. Cooper & me to write to the Society in their Favour, 
was to converse with Sir William about the State of the Indians. " . . . . 
"Dr. Wheelock collected large sums in England for his School some thou- 
sands of Pounds by his own Confession. Can it be supposed that well-dis- 
posed People would be less liberal to this Scheme, when under the Direction 
of so respectable a Body as the Society, & attended with so many promising 
Circumstances? Especially if proper Measures be taken to lay them before 
the Public, & to collect Money. I humbly conceive that some vigorous 
effort of this Sort is necessary to draw the attention of People. A single 
Mission in the old, beaten Way makes no noise. Few regard it. But an 
extensive Plan, with the Society at its head, supported by Sir William John- 
eon's Influence here, & attended with the greatest Probability of Success; 
would not fail I imagine, to command Notice & awake the slumbering Charity 
of many Christians. Many just objections be against Dr. Wheelock's Scheme. 
It is too contracted, injudiciously formed, & inadequate to the Design of 
Christianizing the Indians, to say no worse Yet it serves the Ends of the Dis- 
senters well enough, to make Bustle & will gain Credit, If no better Scheme 
is set on foot. 

I request that you, Good Sir, would be pleased to consult the Society & 
let me know then - Sentiments of this Affair. My intention is to represent 
the State, Number, Situation, & some other Circumstances of the several 
Tribes of Indians, bordering on this Government; to propose the Plan laid 
down by Sir William Johnson for the Conversion of the Indians, which ap- 
pears the most rational & judicious I have yet seen, & obviate the objections 
that may be made to it ; to remove some popular Errors that have been propa- 
gated by Dissenters of late with Regard to the first Emigrants to America, as 
if they had been all Dissenters who fled from Episcopal persecution; ... & 
to place in as strong a Light as I can the several Circumstances which now 
concur to insure success to such an attempt at converting the Savages. 

This is, in a few words, the Plan I have in View. If the Society approve 
it, I shall proceed & after Sir William Johnson has inspected my Papers, 
which he has promised to do carefully & give all the Assistance he can to cor- 
rect them, I shall send them to the Society for their Perusal, & to do with 
them whatever they think proper Should the Society disapprove the design, 
& judge its unpracticable I shall desist." 174 



"a Apr. 26, 1770, ibid., B, 2, p. 92. 

im Rev. Mr. Inglis to Sec. ibid., B, 2, p. 65. 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 231 

The memorial, carefully drawn up and elaborately prepared, was 
presented in 1771 to Lord Hillsborough, 175 bearing with it recom- 
mendations from the Governor of New York and Sir William 
Johnson, as well as from the Society and the prelates of the 
Church of England. From the document we quote only the 
six measures which the plan proposed should be taken to improve 
and civilize the Indians: 

I. That two Missionaries, men of good character, abilities, and prudence, 
and in the orders of the established Church of England, be sent to the Iroquois, 
one to reside at Conajohare, the other at the old Oneida Town. Most of the 
Indians at both these villages have been baptised, and even profess Chris- 
tianity; all are willing to be further instructed. Each of these Missionaries 
should have a Salary of £150 sterling a year at least, to enable them to shew 
some marks of favor to the more deserving Indians, by making small Pre- 
sents to them from time to time. This will be expected from them, and if 
judiciously managed, will have a good effect in conciliating the affections of 
the Indians. If these Missionaries had some knowledge of Physic, so as to 
be able to assist the Indians in sickness, it would also increase their influence, 
and make their Spiritual Labors more successful. 

II. That a Schoolmaster be fixed at each of those Villages, viz. : Conajohare, 
and the old Oneida Town; another at Onondaga; one at the principal village 
of the Cayugas, and two among the Senekas. These Schoolmasters, for 
whom admission and protection may be easily procured, should be prudent, 
and virtuous young men, and such as have had a liberal education. Their 
business will be to teach the Indians, to read and write. They ought also to 
apply themselves diligently to learn the Indian Language, by which they will 
be better qualified to act as Missionaries afterwards, should their behaviour 
and merit entitle them to that office. Schools, if properly conducted, will 
be of infinite service. The Indians are all willing that their Children should 
be taught to read and write; and Youth is the properest season to instill 
principles of Morality and Religion, which the Schoolmasters will have con- 
stant opportunities of doing. Of these they ought to avail themselves; and 
gradually unfold the Principles of the Christian Systems to their pupils. 
Each of those Schoolmasters ought to have a salary of £40 Sterl. a year, 
which might be increased according to their industry and success. They 
also, as well as the Missionaries, should be furnished with Prayer-books, and 
such other Tracts in the Indian language as can be procured; which will be 
necessary to teach the Indians to read, and instruct them in the principles of 
Religion. 

III. That Smiths be placed at some of the most convenient Indian Villages. 
These would be of great service to the Indians, and therefore very acceptable; 
and probably some of the Indians, from a sense of their utility might be in- 
duced to learn their Trade. Their wives might also be engaged to teach 
such of the Indian women as are willing to learn Spinning, Sewing, and other 
Branches of female Industry. The Government formerly allowed Smiths at 
several of the Indian Villages, with a competent salary. These Mechanics 
would now be of much service in promoting the general design, and might be 
had at a trifling expense. The Spaniards have employed mechanics, and do 
still, for the same purpose to great advantage. 



176 See "A Memorial concerning the Iroquois or Five Confederate Nations of 
Indians in the Province of New York," in Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV, p. 1089. This 
Memorial, we are told, having been "copied out fair in a good Hand, and in a quarto 
size, and having a Marble cover, with Col. Johnson's accurate and neat Map pre- 
fixed, made a handsome looking Pamphlet." Ibid., p. 1090. 



232 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

IV. That the Missionaries and Schoolmasters employed in this Scheme be 
appointed, or at least approved, by the Society for the Propagation of the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts. The Superintendency of those matters naturally 
belongs to that Venerable Body, not only by reason that they coincide with 
the design of their Incorporation, and with their connections on this Continent, 
but also because the Society have with great fidelity discharged the important 
trust reposed in them, and have already done much towards Converting and 
Civilising the Iroquois. It is therefore proposed that they have the Care 
and Direction of the Missions specified in this Plan; that the Missionaries 
and Schoolmasters shall regularly transmit to them accounts of their respec- 
tive charges from time to time, in the same manner as those Missionaries and 
Schoolmasters in the Society's service do at present; to be annually laid before 
the Public, with their other Transactions. That the Missionaries, School- 
masters and Mechanics however, be under the immediate inspection of His 
Majesty's Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the time being. His Station 
and Authority among the Indians will enable him to promote the execution of 
this Scheme. He will be the properest Person to direct the several Measures 
that shall be necessary on any new emergencies; and through him, in conjunc- 
tion with the Society, applications to Government should be made, in matters 
relative to those Missions. It will be proper that the Superintendent of 
Indian Affairs should be thus concerned in the Management of those Matters, 
because it will be of Utility to the general Design; and also that he may see 
that such steps be taken as are consistent with the Interests of Trade, and the 
Views of Government respecting the Indians. 

V. That a set of Rules and Instructions be prepared by the Society for the 
Regulation of the Missionaries and Schoolmasters in the Discharge of their 
Respective Duties, which Rules and Instructions however shall, for the rea- 
sons already mentioned be inspected and approved by His Majesty's Superin- 
tendant of Indian Affairs, previous to their Establishment. In drawing up 
these Instructions, particular Care should be taken to caution the Missionaries 
and Schoolmasters to be prudent in their Conduct, and to avoid whatever 
might give offence to the Indians, or awaken their Jealousy. Diligence in 
their Station, Sobriety, Gentleness, Condescension, and a disinterested Regard 
to the Welfare of the Indians, should be recommended, and that they sedu- 
lously inculcate Principles of Loyalty among their Hearers, Converts and 
Pupils. 

VI. The last Article I shall mention as necessary to compleat this Plan, 
and make it more extensively useful, is the erecting a College or Seminary in 
the old Oneida Town, where the Young Indians who are distinguished for 
their Genius, may repair for a more enlarged Education, and be fitted for the 
Ministry. Very few of the Indians can be prevailed on to let their Children 
go any great Distance for Instruction, and when they are persuaded to it, the 
Children always go with Reluctance. They are continually anxious to return 
to their Parents and Brethren, which is an Obstruction to their literary Pro- 
gress; and when they return to their own People they generally run into the 
greater Excesses for their former Restraints. 

It is therefore a mistaken Notion that Seminaries at a Distance from the 
Indians and only among Christians, are fittest for the Education of Indian 
Youths. Besides the Difficulty of bringing them to such Seminaries, and the 
small Degree of Improvement they carry from them, it serves to raise their 
Jealousy, and the Transition is too great and too sudden, from their former 
mode of Life, to that which they must hereby enter upon. Any Change in 
the Manners of a Savage People, who have an high Sense of liberty, like the 
Iroquois, should be gradually effected. It should in some measure be the 
Result of their own Choice, as being apparently expedient, not of any Violence; 
which will not fail to rivet them firmly to their Customs, and shut their Minds 
against Reason and Conviction. The Indian Country is evidently the pro- 
perest Place to fix a Seminary for this Purpose, where the Parents can fre- 



The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 233 

quently see their Children; by which all Uneasiness would be removed from 
both, and those other Inconveniences avoided. It would also be pleasing to 
the Indians in general. They would look upon it as a Mark of our Regard, 
and Confidence in them. This would serve to reconcile them to the Instruc- 
tions and Discipline of a College; and induce them to encourage the Institu- 
tion, even from a Principle of Gratitude. But I shall not enlarge on this 
Head, as this Seminary is not immediately necessary. It must be the Work 
of Time; after the other Parts of the preceding Plan are carried into Execu- 
tion, and a considerable Progress is made in each. 

The political situation of the period made it hopeless to ex- 
pect any results on the part of the government, and the memorial 
was soon forgotten. But it served to emphasize that regretful 
policy of governmental indifference to the Indian, which began 
with the British in the colonial period, and continued for a shame- 
fully long time thereafter. 



236 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

The catechising school was opened in the city of New York 
in 1704 by Elias Neau. 6 Mr. Neau was a native of France. 
For confessing the Protestant faith he had been several years 
confined in prison there, after which he had been forced to serve 
in the galley for seven years. 7 He then settled in New York 
as a merchant. 8 His interest in the work of the religious so- 
cieties began with the S. P. C. K. In 1701 he corresponded with 
its officials concerning affairs in the Province, 9 and later with 
members of the S. P. G. Mr. Neau's particular sympathy was 
for the slaves, which occasioned the society to offer him the ap- 
pointment of catechist for the Province. 10 Rev. Mr. Vesey was 
strongly opposed to him, and this, 11 together with Neau's in- 
adequate knowledge of English, made him decline the position. 12 
In 1704 he was finally prevailed upon to accept the office for the 
city of New York alone, through the renewed urging of the 
Society and Lord Cornbury. 13 The Society's allowance for the 
position was £50 a year. 14 Licenses were issued to Mr. Neau 
by Lord Cornbury in August 1704, and by the Bishop of London 
at a subsequent date. 15 The Governor's license authorized 
Neau to catechise children generally and other persons who 
might come. It reads as follows: 

" To the worthy Mr. Elias Neau, greeting: 

"Reposing special trust and confidence in your ability, prudence and in- 
tegrity, have nominated, constituted and appointed, and do hereby nominate, 
constitute and appoint you, the said Elias Neau, to be catechist in the city 
of New York, and do hereby give and grant unto you full license and power 
to catechise all children, Indians, negroes and other persons within the said 
city. Given under my hand and seal at Fort Anne in New York this twenty- 
fourth day of August 1704. 

"Cornbury." 16 



« About August 1704, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 19. 

7 Ibid., A, 2, p. 21; Lambeth Archives, 841, fol. 18 ff. Classified Digest, op. ciV, 
p. 63. 

8 Ibid., A, 2, p. 40; Lambeth Archives, ibid. 
•Allen and McClure, op. cit., pp. 120-21. 

io S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 98. Jan. 15, 1702-3. 

» Vesey to Sec, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, pp. 20, 40, 26, Mr. Vesey was acting 
on his own interest herein; for he desired an assistant in the Church, which Neau 
could not accept, not having been ordained. Ibid. Ill feeling between the two 
men existed for many years. And Neau charged Vesey with veiled antagonism to 
the school. Ibid., A, 4, p. 68; Journal, II, p. 243. 

™Ibid., I., p. 167; Letter-book, A, 2, p. 1. 

« Neau to Sec, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 19, Aug. 29, 1704. 

" S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 108. 

>' Ibid., I, p. 194; Letter-book, A, 4, p. 68, May 18, 1705. 

is From Mss. Deeds in the office of the Sec. of State, X, p. 27 — quoted by PrattJ 
op. cit., p. 91. 



The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 237 

The Bishop's license enpowered him to act as "Schoolmaster & 
Catechist of the Negroes & Indians in New York." 17 

In order to devote his entire time to the work, Mr. Neau gave 
up active management of his business, and left the French 
Church, where he had been an Elder, to conform fully to the 
Church of England. 18 Speaking of the qualifications of the 
catechist, Rev. John Sharpe, chaplain of the Fort, declared him 
"the best qualified for it of any could be found." 19 His un- 
wearied activity and earnestness of purpose are so thoroughly 
indicated in his letters to the Society, and so well attested by 
others, that it is doubtful if the Society ever engaged a more 
devoted agent in all its colonial work. Said Mr. Sharpe: "He 
is a person of great humility which is the foundation of all virtue. 
He can condescend familiarity to discurse with those poor slaves 
who are put to the vilest drudgeries & consequently esteemed the 
scum and off scouring of Men. . . . He is a person of great 
zeal for this pious Work; It was this which prompted him at 
first to the Undertaking upon the base allowance of £50 pr Ann. 
when in the way of trade being a Merchant and in Considerable 
business he could have cleared three times that sum yearly. 
Yet he willingly divested himself of this secular affair that he 
might better attend on this. . . . He has taken great pains 
in collecting out of such as have wrote on the Church Catechism 
and digesting into form the Historical part of the Scriptures for 
the use of his Catechumens. . . . No doubt his being a 
confessor in the Gallies and prisons for the faith he labours to 
instruct them in gives him great advantage. . . . Lastly, 
his Resolution and perseverance in the work has been truly 
wonderful, they see him hated, ridiculed and even spitefully 
used by his Christian Brethren for this Work's sake. . . . 
They find him constantly attend his stated hours of Instruction 
be there many or few that come to hear him. . . . They 
see him creeping into Garrets, Cellars and other nauseous places 
to exhort and pray by the poor slaves when they are sick; and 
. . . that his house is full of hospitality and good works." 20 



" S. P. G. Journal, I, pp. 192, 194. 

w S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 21 ; A, 3, p. 80. 

i» Lambeth Archives, 841 fol. 18. 

so Prom a paper proposing, "A Publick School," "A Publick Library" and "A 
Catechising Chappel" in the city of New York, by Rev. Mr. Sharpe, March 11, 
1712-13. Lambeth Archives, 841, fol. 18 ff. 



236 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

The catechising school was opened in the city of New York 
in 1704 by Elias Neau. 6 Mr. Neau was a native of France. 
For confessing the Protestant faith he had been several years 
confined in prison there, after which he had been forced to serve 
in the galley for seven years. 7 He then settled in New York 
as a merchant. 8 His interest in the work of the religious so- 
cieties began with the S. P. C. K. In 1701 he corresponded with 
its officials concerning affairs in the Province, 9 and later with 
members of the S. P. G. Mr. Neau's particular sympathy was 
for the slaves, which occasioned the society to offer him the ap- 
pointment of catechist for the Province. 10 Rev. Mr. Vesey was 
strongly opposed to him, and this, 11 together with Neau's in- 
adequate knowledge of English, made him decline the position. 12 
In 1704 he was finally prevailed upon to accept the office for the 
city of New York alone, through the renewed urging of the 
Society and Lord Cornbury. 13 The Society's allowance for the 
position was £50 a year. 14 Licenses were issued to Mr. Neau 
by Lord Cornbury in August 1704, and by the Bishop of London 
at a subsequent date. 15 The Governor's license authorized 
Neau to catechise children generally and other persons who 
might come. It reads as follows: 

" To the worthy Mr. Elias Neau, greeting: 

"Reposing special trust and confidence in your ability, prudence and in- 
tegrity, have nominated, constituted and appointed, and do hereby nominate, 
constitute and appoint you, the said Elias Neau, to be catechist in the city 
of New York, and do hereby give and grant unto you full license and power 
to catechise all children, Indians, negroes and other persons within the said 
city. Given under my hand and seal at Fort Anne in New York this twenty- 
fourth day of August 1704. 

"Cornbury." 16 



« About August 1704, S. P. G. Letter-book. A, 2, p. 19. 

» Ibid., A, 2, p. 21; Lambeth Archives, 841, fol. 18 ff. Classified Digest, op. cit.; 
p. 63. 

« Ibid., A, 2, p. 40; Lambeth Archives, ibid. 

» Allen and McClure, op. cit., pp. 120-21. 

io S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 98. Jan. 15, 1702-3. 

" Vesey to Sec, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, pp. 20, 40, 26, Mr. Vesey was acting 
on his own interest herein; for he desired an assistant in the Church, which Neau 
could not accept, not having been ordained. Ibid. Ill feeling between the two 
men existed for many years. And Neau charged Vesey with veiled antagonism to 
the school. Ibid., A, 4, p. 68; Journal, II, p. 243. 

" Ibid., I., p. 167; Letter-book, A, 2, p. 1. 

i» Neau to Sec, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 19, Aug. 29, 1704. 

» S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 108. 

"Ibid., I, p. 194; Letter-book, A, 4, p. 68, May 18, 1705. 

i« From Mss. Deeds in the office of the Sec. of State, X, p. 27 — quoted by PrattJ 
op. cit., p. 91. 



The Society 1 s Catechising School in the City of New York 237 

The Bishop's license enpowered him to act as "Schoolmaster & 
Catechist of the Negroes & Indians in New York." 17 

In order to devote his entire time to the work, Mr. Neau gave 
up active management of his business, and left the French 
Church, where he had been an Elder, to conform fully to the 
Church of England. 18 Speaking of the qualifications of the 
catechist, Rev. John Sharpe, chaplain of the Fort, declared him 
"the best qualified for it of any could be found." 19 His un- 
wearied activity and earnestness of purpose are so thoroughly 
indicated in his letters to the Society, and so well attested by 
others, that it is doubtful if the Society ever engaged a more 
devoted agent in all its colonial work. Said Mr. Sharpe: "He 
is a person of great humility which is the foundation of all virtue. 
He can condescend familiarity to discurse with those poor slaves 
who are put to the vilest drudgeries & consequently esteemed the 
scum and off scouring of Men. . . . He is a person of great 
zeal for this pious Work; It was this which prompted him at 
first to the Undertaking upon the base allowance of £50 pr Ann, 
when in the way of trade being a Merchant and in Considerable 
business he could have cleared three times that sum yearly. 
Yet he willingly divested himself of this secular affair that he 
might better attend on this. . . . He has taken great pains 
in collecting out of such as have wrote on the Church Catechism 
and digesting into form the Historical part of the Scriptures for 
the use of his Catechumens. . . . No doubt his being a 
confessor in the Gallies and prisons for the faith he labours to 
instruct them in gives him great advantage. . . . Lastly, 
his Resolution and perseverance in the work has been truly 
wonderful, they see him hated, ridiculed and even spitefully 
used by his Christian Brethren for this Work's sake. . . . 
They find him constantly attend his stated hours of Instruction 
be there many or few that come to hear him. . . . They 
see him creeping into Garrets, Cellars and other nauseous places 
to exhort and pray by the poor slaves when they are sick; and 
. . . that his house is full of hospitality and good works." 20 



» S. P. G. Journal, I, pp. 192, 194. 

w S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 21 ; A, 3, p. 80. 

» Lambeth Archives, 841 fol. 18. 

10 From a paper proposing, "A Publick School," "A Publick Library" and "A 
Catechising Chappel" in the city of New York, by Rev. Mr. Sharpe, March 11. 
1712-13. Lambeth Archives, 841, fol. 18 fl. 



238 



The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 



In 1705 Mr. Neau reported to the Society in the following 
words: "Mr. Vesey himself read a Note . . . in the Church 
in Form of an Exhortation to the masters and Mistresses to 
take care to send me their Slaves every Wednesday Friday and 
Sunday at Five o'clock in ye Evening, to the end that I may 
teach them ye Principles of our Holy Religion, they send me to 
the Number of Thirty as you will see by the List of ye Catechisms 
that I have distributed among them, the which I send here in- 
closed. These People come in such great Numbers, Sunday only: 
Wednesdays and Fridays there comes but Eight or Ten sometimes 
more & sometimes less." 21 In the list, which is shown herewith, 
we may see to what a preponderant extent the school catered 
to the Negroes. 

The names of the Masters & Mistresses that have sent me their Blacks to 
Catechise and to whom I have given Catechisms & other good Books as 
follows. 

My Lord Cornbury 1 Mulatress I gave her 2 Catechisms & 2 other Books 
Mr Vesey 
Mr. Wm. Leaths 
Mr. Rbr Wandil 
Mrs. Widow Keep 
Capt Trevet 
Mr. Stanton 
Mr. Joseph Smith 
Mr. Dudols 
Mr. Crook 
Mr. Skenlour 
Mr. Mool 

Mr. Daniel Cromelin 
Mr. Wilson Sheriff 
Mrs. Jourdain 
Mr. Francorier 
Mr. DeNeak 
Mr. Burgins 
Mr. George Milan 
Mr. Boarn Bown 
Mr. Abraham Keep 
Mr. Brodfurt 
Mr. Vandain 
Mr. Morin 
Mr. Allaire 
Mr. Isaac Nephtaly 
Mr. Henry Shephers 
Mrs. Blockgross 
Mr. Richard Laurins 
Col. Depatris 
Col. Morice 
Mr. Bloom 
Mr. Mindar 
Mr. John Vincent 
Mrs. Van Vosse 
Mrs. Harcomb 



2 Negroesses 


2 Do 


2.2 Letters 


2 Negress's 


1 Indian 


3 Do 


3.3 Do 


1 Negress 




1 Ditto 


1 Do 


1 Negress 




1 Ditto 


1.1 Do 


1 Negress 




1 Ditto 


1.1 Do 


1 Negress 




1 Ditto 


1.1 Ditto 


1 Negress 




1 Ditto 


1.1 Ditto 


1 Negress 


1 Negro 


2 Catechisms 


2.2 Letters 


1 Negress 


1 Negro 


2 Do 


2.2 Do 




1 Negro 


1 Ditto 


1.1 Do 




1 Negro 


1 Dirto 


1.1 Do 


1 Negress 




1 Ditto 


1.1 Do 




1 Negro 


1 Ditto 


1.1 Do 


1 Negress 




1 Ditto 


1.1 Do 


1 Negress 


1 Negro 


2 Ditto 






1 Negro 


1 Ditto 






1 Negro 


1 Ditto 






1 Negro 


1 Ditto 






1 Negro 


1 Ditto 




1 Negress 




1 Ditto 




1 Negress 


1 Negro 


2 Ditto 




1 Negress 




1 Ditto 




1 Negress 




1 Ditto 




1 Negress 




1 Ditto 




1 Negress 




1 Ditto 




1 Negress 




1 Ditto 




1 Negress 




1 Ditto 




1 Negress 




1 Ditto 






1 Negro 


1 Ditto 






1 Negro 


1 Ditto 




1 Negress 




1 Ditto 




1 Negress 




1 Ditto 




1 Negress 




1 Ditto 






2 Negroes 


2 Ditto 




1 She Indian2 Indians 


2 Ditto 




Women 28 


Men 18 


46 Books. 21 





« Oct. 3, 1705, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 124. 
»» Ibid. 



The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 239 

One month later Mr. Neau said, in writing: " I had a good Num- 
ber of Scholars, that made me hope I should be forced to bring 
them to Church under ye Tower, because my Room could not 
hold them all, which was what Mr. Vesey and I resolved to do, 
but instead of ye Numbers increasing it has been much diminisht 
for ye most that come on Sundays are between 12 & 20 and Wed- 
nesdays and Fridays 6, 8 or 10. " 23 In fact Neau at first went 
from house to house to instruct and afterwards gathered them at 
his own house. Col. Heathcote said of this: "As for my 
Thoughts of the Society having appointed that good man Mr. 
Neau as Catechist to ye Negroes & Indians 'tis undoubtedly a 
very good work & he is wonderfully industrious in the discharge 
of his Duty & ye truth is takes more pains than he needs by going 
from House to House to perform that office & I believe he would 
find it as affectual to gain ye End & not ye fourth part of ye 
trouble to himself, to appoint set times in having them together 
at ye English Church or at least so many at once may be proper 
& Catechise & instruct them." 24 

By 1706 the masters of slaves began to show great fear lest, 
through the act of Baptism, the slaves should be made free. 
Neau found it necessary to urge legislation on this subject to 
prevent a complete withdrawal of his pupils. As a result the 
Assembly decreed in the fall of 1706, that the legal status of 
the slave should be in no way altered by his evangelization. 25 

The effect of the legislation was seen at once, for in 1707 Neau 
reported: "I must begin in telling you Sr that last Autumn I 
took the Liberty to send you two samples of the Act of Assembly, 
in favour of the Instruction of Slaves, since that time the number 
of my catechumens is mightily augmented, so that I have now 
above 100 altho' they never come all at a time, I have furnished 
the second story of my Lodgings with Forms for their use; The 
Room Sr is 48 foot long and 22 broad, so that in Summer it will 
hold conveniently 200 Persons and in Winter above 300. what 
is most inconvenient in this, I am obliged to receive them every 
night by the Candle because they work all day long, except on 
Sundays at which time they come after the Second Sermon, 



« Nov. 15, 1705, ibid.. A, 2, p. 125. 

« Ibid., A, 2, p. 117. The Church was not used for the work, save the steeple. 
The former had to be kept clean for the congregation, Mr. Sharpe reported. 

» Col. Laws of N. Y., I., p. 597; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2 p. 167; A, 3, pp. 80, 81. 



240 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

altho' in the Winter, that is also by Candlelight, as well as on 
the other days I have changed the Method I took in the begin- 
ning a little, or rather changed nothing, but have added a few 
things as Prayers & Singing of Psalms, that encourages both 
them and me, for I represent to them that God plac'd them in the 
world only for his Glory and that in praying and singing those 
divine Praises one doth in part obey his Commands, I observe 
with pleasure that they strive who shall sing best." . . . 
"Catechising days are Wednesdays, Fridays, & Saturdays. I 
would Catechise them much oftener, but their masters desire 
me not to keep them long; I keep them always two hours in 
Summer, but longer in Winter." 26 In the fall of that year the 
number had increased to 200, "of both Sexes & all ages." 27 

In 1710 Mr. Neau reported that about twenty young people 
of the town, "apprentices and young Boys and Girls" were com- 
ing to him daily and had done so for three months; and, there 
being too many at a time, he found it necessary to appoint two 
days in a week for the girls. 28 With the exception of the indif- 
ferent attitude of masters, satisfactory reports continued to be 
sent until 1712, when an uprising of Negroes in the city almost 
broke up the school. Bitter prejudices were created by charges 
that the school had been the main cause of the trouble. Mr. 
Sharpe thus described these events: 

The late barbarous Massacre attempted by the slaves April 1712 gave 
strength at first to this clamour which had a full run for many days. The 
School was charged as the cause of the Mischief, the place of Conspiracy and 
that instruction had made them cunning and insolent. 

The Catechist and all that were known to favour this design were reproached, 
and the flagitious villany was imputed to the Catechumens yet upon the 
strictest inquiry and severest tryal, where the bare affirmation of infidel Evi- 
dence who are not capable of any other tye to veracity was sufficient to fix the 
guilt, there were not any found Actors or Accomplices in the Conspiracy who 
had duly attended the Catechetical instruction, but two were accused one of 
which had been formerly baptised and he dyed protesting his innocence, and 
was, (but too late for him) pityed and declared guiltless even by the Prose- 
cutors. The other had made some proficience, but was not admitted to 
Baptism thro' the reluctancy of his Master whom he had often solicited for 
it. He was an eminent Merchant and with his son were both murdered in 
the Streets. This Negro was hung in chains alive. I went to see him after 
he had hung five days he declared to me he was innocent of the murder with 



« July 24, 1707, ibid.. A, 3, p. 128. Neau reported about 1,000 slaves in the town 
in 1706, ibid.. A, 2, p. 167. 

" Ibid., A, 3, p. 181. 

so July 5, 710, ibid., A, 5, p. 134. In 1711 he "had not so many apprentices as 
he had but this varies very much according to the pleasure of the youth." Ibid., 
A, 6, p. 87. 



The Society 1 s Catechising School in the City of New York 241 

a seeming concern for his Masters misfortune. He was often delirous by 
long continuance in that painful posture thro' hunger thirst and pain but he 
then answered directly to what I enquired and called me by my name so that 
I might conclude he had some intervals of the exercise of his reason. 

One would believe that such a happy instance as the innocency of the few 
who frequented the School should take away this prejudice but it still re- 
mains and was last winter improved by imaginary plotts contrived on pur- 
pose by some ill men to hinder the good work which was by amusing the people 
to keep them within in the Evening which is the only time they are at Liberty 
from their Masters employ to attend on the School. The Devil finds his 
kingdom of darkness invaded and rages because his time is but short, 'tis no 
wonder therefore that he stirs up his instruments to oppose it. 29 

At the time the poor catechist could not venture out of his house, 
but the Governor and the clergy came to his defense and he was 
able to resume. 30 In 1713 the school continued "in spite of 
opposition," 31 and Mr. Neau requested to be supplied with two 
hundred A. B. C's with the CH. Catechism" for his catechu- 
mens. 32 His next letter acknowledged the books. Having dis- 
tributed these he desired others. It would be very advantageous 
if he could have the additional books, he declared, "because the 
children of the Masters who came to School teach their Negroes 
the Creed & Lord's Prayer by reading sometimes in the English 
Catechism, which also serves for an A. B. C. and to learn to 
read." 33 At the close of 1714 Mr. Neau sent the following 
curious enrolment of slaves, giving an incomplete list of those 
instructed by him during his ten years of service. The list does 
not include the white boys and girls, many of whom were still 
in attendance. 34 As arranged by the catechist, it is given below: 

"The Names of y e Masters and Mistresses of y e Slaves which have been to 
my School from y e year 1704, till now and notice must be taken where it is 
said had, signifies they come no more or that their masters or they themselves 
are dead." 



»» Lambeth Archives, 841, fol. 18 ff. 

"»S. P. G. Journal, II, p. 233; Letter-book, A, 8 p. 224. 

« Ibid., A, 8, p. 173. 

» Ibid., A, 8, p. 174. 

' 3 Apr. 12, 1714, S. P. G. Journal III, p. 7. "I have visited Mr. Neau's School 
and am glad to acquaint that the good man is faithful in the discharge of his duty 
& ye Slaves are well instructed — he hath likewise several apprentices and white chil- 
dren in his School." Rev. Thomas Barclay to Sec, Oct. 22, 1714, S. P. G. Letter- 
book, A, 9, p. 158. 

»« Nov. 16, 1715, S. G. P. Journal, III, p. 67. 



242 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 







Negro 


Negro 


Indian 


Indian 






men 


women 


men 


women 


All Baptised 


3is Excellency my Lord 
Cornbury had 




1 








Bis Exccy Coll. Robt Hunter 


3 


1 








The Revd Mr. Vesey our 












Rector had 


1 


2 






All Baptised 


Mr. Wm. Leathes had 




2 


1 






Mr. Wm. Keat 


1 


1 








Mr. Travet had 


1 










Mr. Stampton had 


1 










Mr. Joseph Smith 




1 






1 Baptised 


Mr. Gabriel Ludlos had 

Mr. Sikulour 

Mr. Mowl had 


1 
1 
1 


1 








Mr. Daniel Cromelin 


1 


2 






Baptised 


Mr. Ebenezer Wilson had 


1 










Mrs. Jourdin had 


1 


1 








Mr. ffauconnier had 


1 


1 








Mr. De Neak 


1 










Mr. Burgnis 


1 


1 








Mr. Millard 


1 










Mr. Bueno had 




1 






1 Baptised 


Mrs. ffeurt 


1 


1 






2 Baptised 


Mr. Vandan 

Mr. Peter Morin had 

Mr. Mephtaly had 


1 


2 
1 






2 Baptised 


Mr. Alexander Alaire had 
Mr. Henry Sheppard had 
Mr. Benjamin Blackgrosshad 


1 
1 

1 


2 








Mr. Paul Richard 


1 


1 






1 Baptised 


Coll. Abraham Depoyster 
Mrs. Horn Bloom 


1 


1 




1 


3 Baptised 


Mrs. Christiana Venvoss 












hath constantly 


3 


1 








Mr. John Vincent 


1 










Mrs. Marcomb had 





1 


1 


1 




Mr. Abraham Jouneau 


1 


1 






Molato 


Mr. Carbell had 
Mr. Philipe 


1 






1 




Mr. John Barbarie had 


1 


2 




1 




Mr. Lagrane had 


1 










Mr. Wm. Tellor 


1 








Baptised 


Mr. George Natten 

Mr. Leipinars had 


1 
1 










Mr. John Keipt had 


1 


1 








Coll. Whinam had 






1 


1 




Mr. Theobalds 


1 


2 




1 




Mr. Havit had 


1 


1 








Mr. Saml Moen had 


2 


2 








Mr. David Jemminson had 




1 








Mr. Woolley had 




1 








Mr. David Provost had 


1 










Mr. Robert Walter 




1 








Mr. Hogland 


2 










Mr. Derick de Neack had 


1 






1 



The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 24£ 







Negro 


Negro 


Indian 


Indian 






men 


women 


men 


women 




Mr. Jacob Morrice had 












Mrs. Helena Cooper 












Mr. John Cazal had 








1 




Mr. Eleans had 












Mrs. Susanna Tooet had 










Baptised 


Mr. Thomas Robert 


1 








1 Baptised 


Mr. CorneKus Depoyster 


1 








1 Baptised 


Mr. John Vanhorn 

Mr. Joseph Baker had 

Dr. Pattison had 


1 




1 






Mr. John Ellison had 


1 




1 






Mr. Elias Nesearan had 


3 










Mr. Glincross had 












Mr. Aspinwal had 












Mr. Clark had 






1 






Mrs. Gerse had 












Mr. Hoatman had 












Mr. Palmiton 












Mr. Hemet had 


1 








1 Baptised 


James Neau had 
Mrs. Haran had 


1 








Baptised 


A ffree Negro Woman 
Margaret 




1 






Baptised 


A ffree Indian Woman 
Janston 








1 


Baptised 


Mr. Isaac Depyster 
Mr. Stilwell 


1 
1 








Baptised 


Mr. Boinot had 
Mr. ffraineau 
Mrs. Vansure 


1 
4 
1 








1 Baptised 


Mr. Abraham Vanghorn 
Mr. Stephan 


2 




1 




2 Baptised 


Mr. Alexander Moor 




1 


1 




Molatto 


Mrs. Marett 

Coll. Bayard had 


1 






1 


1 Baptised 


Mr. Elias Jamin had 

Mr. Cornelius Low 

Mr. Thomas Gifield had 


1 
1 
1 


1 






Baptised 


Mr. Peter Chapneau 


1 








Baptised 


Mrs. Mary Lawrence 

Mr. Maston had 




1 
1 








Mr. Thomas Bayeux 


1 


1 








Mr. Benjamin Harette 


1 










Mr. Daval had 


1 










Mr. Minville 


1 










Mrs. Davis had 


2 








Baptised 


Mrs. Droyer 
Mr. Dupuy 
Mr. John David 
Mr. Renehet 


1 
1 
1 


1 






1 Baptised 


Mr. Thomas Tarpy 
Mr. John Van Noreden 


1 
1 


1 






1 Baptised 


Mr. Boarn Bonn 


2 








Baptised 


Mr. Boarn Rindell 


1 








2 Baptised 


Mrs. Glaivis 




2 






All Baptised 


Mr. Vaneliff 


1 


3 






Baptised 


Mr. Lancaster Syms 




1 






Baptised 


A freeman Peter the Porter 


1 









244 



The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 







Negro 
men 


Negro 
women 


Indian 
men 


Indian 
women 


1 Baptised 
Baptised 


Mr. John Bristick 
Mr. Samuel Bristick 
Mrs. Thotel 
Col. Heathcote 
Mr. Henry Swift 
Jannote a Mollato man 


1 


1 
1 
1 


1 
1 


1 




85 


*45 


10 


10 






*69 







If I had not left off from taking their names I should have more. 

Elias Neau. 
New York. O-ber y e 6th 1714. "35 



In March, 1718, Mr. Neau was suddenly dismissed by the 
Society on the ground of his being engaged in trade. 36 The 
action was seemingly induced by some of the old enemies and 
doubtless had the sanction of Mr. Vesey. Mr. Huddleston was 
asked to take charge of the work. But prompt testimonials 
from the Governor, missionaries and other gentlemen caused 
an immediate reversal of the order. 37 In the interval, however, 
Neau forwarded an additional list of his slaves, as follows: 

"An Acco* of ye Number of my black Catechumens since and beside the 
list Ive Sent to Mr. Taylor on the 19th of Nov. 1714 which ought to be t^dded 
to y* former acco* because Severall Negroes baptized & unbaptiz'd do con- 
stantly Come to School here be also the Same Masters name of Several be- 
cause they have more Slaves or their young are fitt to be instructed and by 
y* I am oblidged to write y e name but not y 6 Same Servant. 



» B S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 10, p. 220. Correction not in original. 
" S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 348. 

»' Ibid., IV., p. 43; Letter-book, A, 13, p. 491. For one of the memorials in de- 
fense of Neau, see ibid.. A, 13, p. 44. 



The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 245 



Masters & Mistresses Names 


d 

© 


c 
© 

a 

o 


m 
>> 

o 

« 


3 


d 
© 


a 

© 

a 

o 


a 
© 


a 

© 

a 

o 






o 


o 


o 


o 





o 





a 






u 


tj 


Li 


(4 


c3 


rt 


d 


2 






fcfl 


to 
o 


o 


tc 
© 


3 


3 


3 


-3 






fc 


£ 


£ 


fe 


s 


s 


a 


a 

M 




Mr. Gairard Comfort 


1 


















Mr. Samll Suing 














1 






Mr. Nichs Rosbell 


1 


















Mr. Isaac Keep 


1 


















Mr. John Hardenburg Jun. 




1 












1 




Mr. Jacob Harstead 














1 






Mr. Ripp Vandam 






1 












Baptized 


Mr. Abra m Plainters 


1 


















Mr. Jno. Vanderhill 










1 










Mr. Abr Laftrus 




1 
















Agara free Black woman 




1 














Baptized 


Mr. Thos. Clark 




1 












1 




Mr. Jno. Right 


2 
















Both Baptized John & 
James 


Mr. La grange 


1 


















Mr. Alex. More 






1 


1 






1 






Mr. John van forest 


1 


















Mr. Joseph Read 


1 


















Mr. NatW Maston 




1 














Baptized Eliz. 


Mr. Simon Saurman 




1 














Baptiz'd 


Mr. fanconnier Jun r 










1 










Mr. Jno. Read 


1 


















Mr. fanconnier Sen 




1 














Baptiz'd Eliz. 


Mr. Jno. More 




1 
















Mr. Jno. Cock 


1 


















Mr. Benj. Charitte 






1 












Baptized aigur 


Mr. Charles Oliver 


1 


















A free negro woman 




1 














Baptized Mary 


A free negro 




1 
















Mr. John Cazle 


1 


1 
















Mr. Antony White 


1 


















Mrs. de Kay 


1 


















Mrs. Robert 




1 
















Mr. George Clarke 


1 


















Mr. John Barbery 


1 


















Mr. Thomas Norson 














1 






Mr. Vesey 


1 
















Baptized 25 yrs old 


Mrs. Gravenratt 










1 








Baptized John 20 yrs old 


Mr. Justice Bush 


1 


















Mr. John Mead 








1 










Baptized Eliz. 


Mr. John Harris 














1 






Mr. Living Stone 


1 


















Mr. Charles Cremelain 






1 














Mr. John Bachan 






1 














Mr. Jno. Tinch 


1 


















Mr. John Vaughan 


1 
















Mr. David Jennison 






1 












Mr. Dick Dyforl 


1 



















246 



The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 



Masters & Mistresses Names 


a 
o 


a 

a 

o 
o 

u 

60 

CD 

1? 


en 
>> 

O 
« 

o 
t-, 

CD 


75 

s 

o 

o 


o 

(8 

3 


c 

CD 

a 



c 
"5 


a 

CD 

g 

C 
M 


a 

CD 

a 

o 

p 

a 
i—i 




Mr. Johanis Myer 
Mr. John Wail 
A free Mollato 
Mr. John Ball 
A free negro woman 
Mr. Abram Evans 


1 
1 

25 


1 

13 


1 

*6 


1 

3 


1 

4 




5 


2 


Baptized John 20 yrs old 
Baptized 








*7 













Mr. Vesey hath baptized severall Children but I do not Take the account 
of them because they don't Come to School. This is only the Catechumens 
I have since my last ace* but I have as much more again of the old Catechu- 
mens who come constantly to be instructed. 

New York may the first 1718. Elias Neau." 38 

"My School, " wrote the catechist in 1719, "doth enlarge dayly 
now, since I receiv'd the copy of yr last letter. I have severall 
new Scholars of all ages, and the old comes cheerfully to me to 
be instructed, so my School is in as good a prospect as before it 
has been." 39 It was still made up of whites and blacks. The 
latter numbered 83 in constant attendance. His list, when 
classified by approximating the ages, shows us a preponderant 
proportion of adults, — there being 65 to 18 children. For ex- 
ample 



"A List of the Catechumens Slaves which come constantly to my School 
since I am reinstated in the office of Catechist besides the white apprentice 
boys and girls. 



** May 2, 1718, ibid., A, 13, p. 422. 
»»Oct. 8, 1719, ibid.. A, 13, p. 479. 



Correction not in original. 



The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 247 



Masters & Mistresses 


(0 


01 m 


S 

a 

o 


23 "> 

603 


o 


ED 




Names 


3 


M> 3 


ffl 









o 




o 


. 


o 


o 






60 


P 


Eh 

60 


J* 


Sh 
60 


60 
CD 






Z 


H 


fc 


H 


fc 


!zi 




Coll. Depeyter 


1 


45 yrs. 


2 


50, 35 yrs. 






the Negr Man Bap. & 

Comt. 
He is Baptised Anthony 


Capt. Isaac Depetyr 


1 


30 yrs. 










Mr. Jacobus Vincross 


3 


20, 25 yrs. 


1 


50 yrs. 






ye Men Bap. Jephty 
Robt & Jno. 


Mr. Dr. Cromelin 


1 


24 yrs. 






1 






Mr. Vandam 


1 


30 yrs. 


2 


40 yrs. 
30 


1 




The women & boy Bapt. 
Susannah Lillie & 
Jacob 


Mr. Philip Scuyler 






1 


25 yrs. 






A communicant. 


Mr. Glaves 






1 


35 yrs. 




l 


Both Baptized 


Mrs. Rattray 






2 


45, 24 yrs. 






Both Commts Mary, 

Sarah 
Baptized Annah 


Mrs. Narett 






1 


22 






Mr. Hardinbourg 


1 


20 










Baptized Cesar 


Mary black free woman 






1 


45 






Baptized 


Aigar Do 






1 


40 






Baptized 


Mr. Th. Robert 


1 


25 










Baptized 


Magdalin free wonm 






1 


25 






Baptized 


Mr. Catale 


1 


26 


1 


25 






Woman Baptized 


Mr. Minville 


1 


35 


1 


50 






Woman Baptized 


Come Depetyr 


1 


30 










Baptized 


Mr. Vanhorn 


1 


30 












Andr Fanecan 


1 


30 












Dr. Dupey 


2 


30.28 


2 


25,40 






One man Baptized 


Abrah. Vanghorn 


2 


65,30 










One Communicant 


Mr. Bone 


2 


28,30 










Both Baptized 


Mr. Rindell 


1 


26 










Communicant 


Mr. Alex. Moore 






1 


22 








Mr. Sim. Soumin 






1 


30 






Baptized 


Mr. Harrison 










1 






Mrs. Droyer 






1 


25 






Baptized 


Mr. Wright 


2 


35,30 










Baptized John & George 


Mr. Drick de Neack 


2 


30,27 










Baptized Jno & Oliver 


Mr. Jno. Read 


1 


35 












Mr. Jos. Read 


1 


30 












Annah free bl. Wn 






1 


45 








Mr. Conardao Comfort 


1 


22 












Mr. Bachan 










1 






Mr. Gerr Vanhorn 






1 


35 








Mr. Ed. Elsward 






1 


25 






Baptized Dorothy 


Mr. Bayeur 


1 


40 


1 


35 


2 


l 


All Baptized 


Mr. Renehett 










1 






Mrs. Marit 










1 


l 




Mr. Abrh Evans 










1 






Mad. Ingoldhoes 


1 


28 












Mr. Governour 












2 




Mrs. Bloom 












1 




Mr. Derick Defort 










1 


1 




Mr. Amilton 


1 


28 












Henry Lane 


2 


30, 26 












Cornel Vanhorn 


1 


20 












Jacobus Courland 


1 


35 












Adoph Philip 


1 


40 












Dr. Couling 






1 


35 








Mr. Congrove 






1 


30 








Mrs. Dekey 






1 


40 








Mr. Vanderhill 


1 


24 












Mr. Jno. Roswell 












1 




Mr. Jer. Reading 


1 


27 












Dec. 23, 1719 


*37 




*28 




*12 


8 


Elias Neau S."« 




*38 




*27 




*10 







« Inclosed in Neau's letter Jan. 22, 1719-20, ibid.. A, 14. p. 141. 
not in original. 



Corrections 



248 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

The last reports of Mr. Neau's work were sent shortly before his 
death in 1722. 41 In April he reported: "My School dos prosper 
by ye Blessing of God for the Number of my Catechumens in- 
crease daily in both Sexes Men & Women I thought to have some 
Baptized at Easter but their Masters declin'd to give their Con- 
sent I have put them off, for Whitsunday week during wch time 
I hope to prepare more of them more poor Black Creatures, I 
would be much obliged to the Venerable Society if they were 
pleased to order 300 or 400 Copies of ye Church Catechism to be 
sent to me for the use of my Catechumens with the alphabet in 
it because ye Children of their Master reading once or twice ye 
Creed & the 10 Commandmts with the Lords Prayer every day 
they will learn ye sooner & that doth incourage their Masters 
to give their approbation to their christning & even their own 
Children learn our Church Catechism ye sooner by that." 42 
To the above he added, in what appears to be his last report: 
"Several Negroes learn at home ye Catechism, & some learn 
to read." 43 

The Society made generous gifts of books to the school. Not 
only responding to the requests already noted, several packets 
of Catechisms, two hundred in each, were dispatched. 44 In the 
case of many of his catechumens, he once reported, there was 
"nobody in their Master's houses to teach them, a deficiency 
which he desired his school to make up by the supply of proper 
books. 46 Hence his various requests for books combining the 
features of primer and catechism. From such evidence as the 
writer has been able to review, it does not seem possible to hold 
that the technique of reading had a regular place in the cate- 
chising school. It was encouraged as far as possible by means 
of providing books adapted to that purpose, and, as is highly 
probable, occasional attention was given to it by the catechist. 
It is evident, too, that reading was practiced. The ultimate 
goal was, of course, to learn the prayers and the catechism by 
heart, but, as an aid to this, books were frequently opened for 
the additional stimulus of the printed page. 



« Mr. Vesey on Oct. 4, 1722, reported Neau's death. It therefore occurred in 
the summer or fall of that year. Ibid., A, 16, p. 209. 
« Ibid., A, 16, p. 196. Italics not in original. 
"May 22, 1722, ibid.. A, 16, p. 204; Journal IV, p. 249. 
« Ibid., I, pp. (91), (103), (133). 
« Feb. 28, 1708-9, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 4, p. 121a. 



The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 249 

The presence of the white apprentices, no doubt, added to the 
proficiency of the work. It is unfortunate that more details have 
not been given regarding these apprentices, for it would be inter- 
esting to know whether they were the former pupils of Mr. 
Huddleston, who, having been discharged and apprenticed to trades, 
were coming to Mr. Neau for religious ministration. If this was the 
case, they had already acquired the ability to read. On the other 
hand, some of these white children apparently could not read. 
In one of Neau's requests for the ABC catechisms, he spe- 
cifically stated that they were for the English catechumens. 46 
The writer is inclined to believe that there was a group of ap- 
prentice children receiving instruction from Mr. Neau for the 
first time, and distinct from the scholars in Mr. Huddleston's 
school, which could not possibly have attended to all of this kind 
of instruction. Again, the writer believes, that apprentices from 
the charity school also attended Mr. Neau for the religious features 
of his service. It seems indeed that at this time there was no 
religious service to which the slaves and apprentices of the Epis- 
copalian adherents were admitted, except the catechising school. 
The records of Trinity Vestry show no assignment of seats in 
the church for either class, as such, or for Mr. Neau's pupils; 
whereas they do for the pupils of Mr. Huddleston. Furthermore, 
Neau complained of Mr. Vesey's attitude towards the Negro 
catechumens, saying that "he would not suffer any of them to 
have a place in his Church." 47 

For two years after Mr. Neau's death, Mr. Huddleston took 
charge of the School, "following Neau's Methods of Instruction," 
and attended it with the diligence and earnestness character- 
istic of his other service. 48 Mr. Vesey, in the meantime, renewed 
his efforts to secure for the position a man in Holy Orders, who 
might also be made an assistant to the Rector. The plan met 
with the approval of the Society and Rev. James Wetmore was 
assigned to the position. 49 He received a joint salary from the 
Society and Trinity Church. From this time until 1764 the 



«S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 8, p. 174. 

" Ibid., A, 11, p. 294. But Mr. Vesey and the Church eventually allowed the 
negro catechumens to attend the "publick service of the Church." Ibid., A, 21, 
p. 376, Dec. 23, 1728. 

48 "My Spouse comonly had in his Evening School 50 or 60 Negro Slaves & some- 
times more, besides Children & Servts. " Mrs. Huddleston to Sec, ibid., A, 19, 
p. 411. 

"Feb. 21, 1723-4, S. P. G. Journal, IV, p. 295. 



250 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

work was carried on by a succession of missionaries, whose chief 
duty seems to have been the parochial work of the Church. 
The catechising school continued to be held as usual on Wed- 
nesday, Friday, and Sunday evenings at Mr. Wetmore's house, 
and in the Church steeple before evening service on Sunday. 50 
Sometimes there were "200 children and Servants" whom he 
instructed in the catechism and "commonly" added "some 
practical discourse suitable to their Capacities joined with some 
devotions." 61 But the enterprise did not have the enthusiasm 
of Mr. Neau to support it. It was not the primary object of the 
missionary-catechist. When in 1726 Mr. Wetmore was trans- 
ferred to Rye, he reported the following decline of the school: 
"My Catechumens are now very few & as for the Negroes their 
Master choose to instruct them at home rather than venture 
them into Companies together." "Nor can I think" he added, 
"the necessity of a Missionary so great in this place as in many 
other parts of the Country." 52 

In petitioning for a successor to Mr. Wetmore, the need of a 
catechist was emphasized on the ground that there were fourteen 
hundred Negro and Indian slaves in the city, which made the 
position "as important as ever." 53 However, in addition to in- 
creasing the parochial duties he was to assume, it was stated that 
if he had inclination to teach a Latin school, he might find a 
very good account in the discharge of that office. 54 From Mr. 
Vesey's viewpoint, if any function was to be slighted, clearly 
it was the work among the slaves and catechumens. In No- 
vember 1726 Rev. Thomas Colgan was appointed to the place 
by the Society. 55 He served until 1731. 56 Reporting in 1727 
he said: "I have about 50 Catechumens most of web are white 
Children but hope in a short time to have the number of Slaves 
augmented." 57 Through his own personal interest he did suc- 
ceed in bringing into the school additional Negro catechumens. 
In 1728 these were about sixty in number and, as "many of them 



" Ibid., V, p. 29. 

" Ibid. 

» June 24, 1726, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 19, p. 395. 

" Vestry to Sec, July 5, 1726, ibid., B, 1, p. 73. 

»* Ibid. 

« S. P. G. Journal, V., p. 107. 

™ Ibid., V., p. 315. 

« S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 20, p. 185. 



The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 251 

could read," he desired "Common Prayer books to be disposed 
of to such as are capable of making use of them." 68 The pro- 
ficiency in reading was largely due, we may assume, to the en- 
couragement of Elias Neau and Mr. Huddleston. The methods 
of Wetmore and Colgan could have included little in the way of 
encouraging reading ability, for they had no need of primers or 
such helps. 

From 1731 to 1746 Rev. Richard Charlton was the catechist 
and assistant of the Church. 59 He evinced great interest in the 
work with the catechumens and was commended for his diligence 
and effectual care therein. 60 His early reports mention many 
more attending him in the summer than in the winter, but they 
are not explicit. " Several Negroes improve, tho' slowly," he 
states. 61 In 1740 the Society was told that he was "training up 
more than 20 Negroe children and near as many Adults in the 
Christian Faith . . . and besides these a great number of 
white Children and servants" that "diligently attend." 62 Charl- 
ton segregated the catechumens about 1741, if not before, setting 
aside Friday for the whites. He had ninety of these in 1742, 
and seventy Negroes. He reports that he had persuaded Mr. 
Clemm, the organist, to teach forty-three of them Psalmody, 
which was being done "thrice in the week in the Church"; 63 
but whether they were taken from one or the other group, or 
both, cannot be determined. In 1743 he announced that all 
his catechumens, especially the Negroes, greatly improved in 
spiritual knowledge, "the Prayer books &c sent out" having 
"induced several to learn to read." 64 The catechist induced Mr. 
Hildreth to assist in the teaching of the Negroes in 1745, and 
twelve were sent to him daily for that year and fifteen for the 
next. 66 This was the beginning of Hildreth's evening class for 
Negroes, which he conducted for all of ten years, and for which 



«8 Ibid.. A, 21, p. 376; Journal, V, p. 197. 

*• Appointed Nov. 19, 1731, ibid., V, p. 315. Became missionary at Staten 
Island 1747. Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 855. 

«o Vesey to Sec, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 71. 

" Ibid., B, 1, p. 27; A, 26, p. 310. 

«» S. P. G. Journal, VIII, pp. 185-6. 

"Oct. 30, 1741, ibid., IX, p. 21; Letter-book, B, 9, p. 62. "Agreeable to your 
Request I send you the Number of your Catechumens that are taught Psalmody 
by me in the Church three Times a Weeke, which Consists of Fourty three ., . . 
William Clemm." Ibid. 

" March 28, 1743, S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 196. 

«S. P. G. Journal, X, pp. 112, 170. 



252 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

the Society made him extra allowance. 68 His pupils were those 
sent to him by the catechist, being the more promising of the 
catechumens. Meantime Mr. Charlton reported improvement 
in the results of his own work. "The singing a psalm after 
Catechizing," he wrote, "hath produced a very good effect for 
it hath engaged many of the Negroes to give a closer attention 
in learning to read and enables them to engage in that part of 
the worship." 67 But he qualified this encouraging indication 
somewhat by saying in his next letter: "Their ignorance of the 
English tongue is such as will not admit of a speedy improve- 
ment." 68 

The Society made various gifts of books to Charlton's cate- 
chumens. Most of them were books for their use in the school 
and at the Church service, and were similar to those being given 
to the lay schools. 69 Simpler books were supplied through the 
benefaction of Trinity Church Vestry. A reprint of one of the 
early catechisms was ordered, and "between 2 and 300" of these 
were donated to Charlton. 70 

Rev. Samuel Auchmuty was appointed the Society's "Cate- 
chist to the Negroes" in 1747 at the same time taking up the 
functions of assistant Rector of Trinity Church. 71 He was one 
of the most zealous of all the S. P. G. missionaries, in respect to 
his work as catechist no less than in other fields. The church 
had grown rapidly and his time could have been wholly occupied 
as assistant. In the face of it, he attempted to include "all of 
the children of the parish in his catechising work" and, com- 
mendable as this was from the Church point of view, it neces- 
sarily involved a partial withdrawal from the Society's original 
intention. "I have now under my Care," he reported, "not 
only the Slaves which are numerous, but also the Children be- 
longing to the Parish." 72 The slaves were assembled on Sunday 
only for a while, 73 but after 1750 Mr. Auchmuty visited Hil- 

e« See p. 102. 

« March 26, 1746, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 219. 

•» Sept. 29, 1746, ibid., B, 14, p. 107. 

«»S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 133; VIII, pp. 141, 231; IX, pp. 21, 196; X., p. 222; 
XIII, p. 40. 

"> Charlton to Sec, July 15, 1740, ibid., VIII, p. 186. 

71 July 1747, ibid., X., p. 271. Mr. Auchmuty was born and educated in New 
England, being the son of Hon. Robert Auchmuty, Esq., Judge of the Court of Ad- 
miralty at Boston. Ibid. 

« March 30, 1748, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 15, p. 80. 

»» In his report of 1748 Auchmuty said they were not able to attend on any day 
but Sunday, ibid., B, 16, p. 59. This was true as regards assembling during the day. 



The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 253 

dreth's Negro class on Wednesday evenings and gave catechetical 
instruction to the pupils and to as many of his black catechumens 
as could be spared by their masters. 74 A third session was ar- 
ranged still later in the new chapel of St. George's. This was 
"for blacks and whites." 75 

Up to 1760 his black catechumens numbered between thirty 
and forty as a rule. 76 To encourage them in reading he secured 
proper beginning texts from the Society. "If the Society," he 
wrote in 1751, "would indulge me so far as to send me a few 
Coppys of the Catechism explained for ye use of Children in a 
private parish in Gloucestershire, with a few more Spelling 
Books, I could dispose of them to my Young Blacks who I trust 
in God would make a good use of them." 77 To further facilitate 
their instruction, he "divided the blacks into 2 classes," one of 
which was given "Lewis' Exposition" and the other the Cate- 
chism itself. 78 In 1756 he reported: "Many of them can read 
very well, & are desirous of being instructed." 79 

The opening of a lay Negro school by the associates of Dr. 
Bray, in September 1760, 80 was an event of great importance 
to the Society's work among the catechumens. The most sig- 
nificant result was the division of the instruction between this 
new enterprise and the catechist. Thereafter the Negro cate- 
chumens were assembled for the usual service and catechetical 
exercises. To the school was assigned the work related to lay 
instruction. The catechist in the capacity of an overseer or in- 
spector, visited the school frequently, hearing the pupils read and 
say the prayers, and giving them instructions and advice. They 
attended his exercises on Sunday, when he catechised them and 
the adult catechumens together. 81 The Negro school caused a 
considerable addition of young catechumens. By 1762 he re- 
ported to the Society an enrolment of between sixty and seventy 
in constant attendance, besides many more who occasionally 



a Ibid., B, 17, p. 116. 
" S. P. G. Journal. XII, p. 331. 

« S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 18, p. 99; B, 20, pp. 56, 57; Journal XII., p. 245. 
» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 20, p. 57. Fifty of the first and twenty-five of the 
second were accordingly allowed him. Journal, XII, p. 104. 
" S.P. G. Journal XII, p. 331, Nov. 23, 1753. 
» Ibid., XIII, p. 204. 
«° Ibid., XV, p. 169. 
» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 2; B, 2, p. 8. 



254 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

attended. 82 They continued to increase, "and in general," said 
Mr. Auchmuty, " there appeared among them a greater desire 
for instruction" than he had observed at any previous time. 81 

Mr. Auchmuty was chosen Rector of Trinity in 1764. 84 He 
retained the office of catechist until 1770 when, on his advice, 
it was added to that of the charity schoolmaster. 85 Once a week 
the catechumens were assembled by the schoolmaster, where 
they listened to his explanation of the catechism and of suitable 
parts of the Scriptures. Besides this they recited the catechism 
with a view to perfecting themselves therein. But it was dis- 
tinctly a service which Mr Hildreth conducted, designed espe- 
cially for the great number of adults (about 100) who attended. 86 
After Hildreth's death in 1777 the Society's support of the work 
was withdrawn. But since, from the year 1760 on, the "school" 
features of the original catechising school were so absorbed by the 
enterprise under the patronage of the Bray Associates, and since 
this was so closely allied to the activity of the Society, the writer 
deems it advisable to include a brief description of that school. 

The founding of the Associates of Dr. Bray in 1723 was men- 
tioned by the writer in the first chapter, as also the benefaction 
of Mr. D'Alloune in behalf of the instruction of Negroes, which 
originated the movement. 87 Many years elapsed before the 
association could add enough to the proceeds from the above 
to undertake the support of schools in the Plantations. Until 
such time, the Associates agreed that the method, which ap- 
peared to them "the most effectual of pursuing Dr. Bray's In- 
tentions," was, "in their present circumstances, that of sending 
Books to the Missionaries in the manner which the Dr. himself, 
did, thereby to enable and encourage them to undertake the 
Conversion of the Negroes, within their respective Parishes." 88 
In the following minute we have an illustration of the way in 
which this plan was carried out: "Mr. Verelst acquainted the 
Associates that he had sent to the care of Mr. Canston 
at Savannah in Georgia three Parcels of Books containing in 



" Ibid., B, 2, p. 4. 

«» Sept. 29, 1763, ibid., B, 2, p. 6a. 

«« Ibid., B, 2, p. 8; Journal XVI, p. 221. 

» 6 See p. 102; also S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 35; Journal XVIII, p. 432. 

»« S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 168, Oct. 17, 1772; p. 169, Nov. 7, 1773. 

»» See p. 15. 

«« Associates Minute-book, 1729-1735, p. 6. about July 15, 1730. 



he Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 255 

each 3 Bibles, 30 Primmers, 30 small spelling Books, 30 Horn 
Books, 20 Testaments, & 30 Psalters Directed to Mrs. Hague, ^ 
Mrs. Drayton, & Mrs. Bryan at Charles Town in South Carolina *>. - 
for Instruction of their Negroes, for him to send by the first op- 
portunity. " 89 

With the exception of some assistance in Georgia, nothing 
was done for schools until the second half of the century. In 
preparation for them, activity was begun in the year 1753 ac- 
cording to the following evidence: 

"Ordered that the foil. acct. of the Associates be published in the London & 
Whitehall Evening Posts, and afterwards in the Public Advertiser, viz., within 
a week in the London Evening Post, a fortnight after in the Whitehall Evening 
Post, & occasionally in the Public Advertiser & Evening Posts. That the 
Assoc ts are entrusted with a small Fund for converting negroes in the British 
Plantations, & will be very thankful for contributions to more effectually 
prosecute the design. The advantageous influence which religious principles 
may justly be supposed to have upon the negroes, the indispensible duty in- 
cumbent upon all Christians to set forward the salvation of others, & the 
particular obligation upon wealthy merchants & planters to sow spiritual 
things to them by whose servitude & labour they reap so much temporal gain : 
these, with other arguments seem to deserve most serious attention. The Soc. 
pays besides occasional gratuities £25 p. a. to Mr. Ottolenghe in Georgia. 
Catechists may be sent to any of our Colonies, whose province might be the 
Instruction of Negroes, or greater encouragem* may be given by books or 
otherwise to the parochial clergy there. But the Assoc* 3 will pursue any 
other method wh. should be judged more conducive to this great end. ' ,9 ° 

In 1758 the fund was sufficient to warrant establishing 
a few schools, and the city of Philadelphia was chosen as the 
best location for the first one. In November 1758, therefore, 
a school was opened, and put under the direction of the 
S. P. G. missionary, Rev. William Sturgeon. 91 Shortly after- 
wards the members of the association came to the further resolu- 
tion "that 3 negro Schools be opened with all convenient speed 
in some part of the British Plantations; . . . also that Mr. 
Franklin be informed of this & the favour of his assistance on 
settling these schools be requested." 92 In pursuance of Dr. 
Franklin's recommendation the locations were fixed at the en- 
suing meeting. In the recorded minutes we are informed as 
follows : 



s9 Ibid., p. 70, Nov. 4, 1734. 

»° Associates Minute-book, 1735-1768, p. 84, Aug. 17, 1753. 

61 Ibid., p. 124; also letter of Mr. Sturgeon to the Sec. of the Associates, June 12, 
1759, in the archives of the Bray Associates. 

• 2 Jan. 2, 1760, ibid., p. 129. The reference is to Benjamin Franklin, an active 
member of the associates. In 1761 during his residence in London, Franklin was the 
presiding officer at their meetings. 



256 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

"Mr. Franklin declared that he thought N. York, Williamsburgh in Vir- 
ginia, & Newport, in Rhode Is. the most proper places for the negro schools. 
Mr. Franklin recommended Dr. S. Johnson President of the College, Rev. 
Mr. Barclay Minister of Trinity Church & Rev. Mr. Auchmuty at N. York. — 
also Wm Hunter Esq. Postmaster Rev. Dr. Dawson President of Wm. & 
Mary College, & the Minister of the Church at Williamsburgh also Rev. Mr. 
Pollen of Newport Rhode Is. as proper persons to be requested to take the 
care & management of the sevl Schools in the aforesiad places. 

Agreed that one school for 30 negro children be opened with all convenient 
speed at each of N. York, Williamsburgh in Virginia, & Newport Rhode Is., 
<fc that the salary in each do not exceed £20 St. p. a. Agreed also that Mr. 
Franklin be desired to write to the above gentlemen for their kind assistance 
in establishing these schools, & that they would as often as they judge con- 
venient visit & inspect them, & transmit home an acct of their proceedings & 
the progress of the children, & the reception the design meets with from the 
people in general. Agreed also that 3 parcels of books for the schools be im- 
mediately prepared, & that Sec. procure from the S. P. C. K. such as may be 
neceassry & are not in tne Assoc ts store. " 93 

With the sincere co-operation of Dr. Johnson and Mr. Bar- 
clay and with the enthusiastic support of Mr. Auchmuty, the 
catechist, steps were immediately taken to set up a school in 
New York City. 94 Both sexes were to share in the benefaction, 
and were to be taught reading, while the girls were also to learn 
sewing and knitting. Difficulty was experienced in finding a 
properly qualified schoolmistress 95 for the undertaking, and the 
position was advertised. The following appeared in the New 
York Mercury, August 4, 1760: 

"WANTED immediately, a sober Woman, of a fair Character and Qualifi- 
cations, necessary to keep a school, for the instruction of Thirty Negro Chil- 
dren, in reading, sewing, &c. Such a Person by applying to any one of the 
Clergy of the Church of England in the City, may be informed of the Terms 
which are advantageous. 

"N. B. The intended School will be chiefly supported by a Charitable 
Society of worthy and well disposed Christians in England: It is therefore 
hoped that such Persons as have a regard for the Souls of their poor young 
souls, especially those born in their house, will be ready to assist in forwarding 
and promoting this Laudable Undertaking. " 96 

Having secured a woman of "fair Character and Qualifications," 
another notice was issued, to the inhabitants by the same news- 
paper on September 15: 



83 Jan. 17, 1760, ibid., p. 130. April following a benefaction of "200 childs first 
books" for the use of the four schools was reported. Ibid., p. 135. 

8 " Dr. Johnson to Sec. of the Associates, July 28, 1760, Archives of the Associates. 

»s Ibid. 

86 Quoted by Dix., op. cit., I, p. 294. It was impossible to provide " a suitable 
Mistress for the undertaking," wrote Mr. Auchmuty, "under £20 sterg. which con- 
sidering the great Rents that are paid for Houses in this City & the greatly increased 
prices of every Article of Provision since the War, is reckoned very reasonable." 
Letter to Sec. of Associates, Apr. 4, 1761. Archives of the Associates. 



The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 257 



"This is to inform the Public, that a Free School is opened near New- 
Dutch-Church, for the instruction of thirty Negro Children, from 5 years old 
and upwards, in reading, and in the Principles of Christianity, and likewise 
sewing and knitting; which School is entirely under the inspection and Care 
of the Clergy of the Church of England in this City: Those Person therefore 
that have the present usefulness, and future Welfare of the young Slaves at 
heart (Especially those born in their Houses), are desired to apply to any one 
of the Clergy, who will immediately send them to the aforesaid school, and 
eee that they be faithfully instructed. 

"N. B. All that is required of their Masters or Mistresses is that they find 
them in wood for the Winter. Proper Books will be provided for them 
Gratis. "« 

The schoolmistress selected by the committee was Mrs. Low- 
ner. In his first report to the associates Mr. Auchmuty said: 
She " faithfully discharges her trust. She began with two Schol- 
ars to which thirteen more have since been added, & others dayly 
coming, so that I make no doubt, but that the Number mentioned 
in your Letter will soon be compleate. I have hitherto visited 
and do intend if blessed with Health, to continue my visits to 
the School." 98 Four months later he wrote: "The Negro 
School is full & would the plan allow of it, as many more might in 
a few days be added to it. "" In another report sent in October 
we learn that the children were "clean & orderly," and had be- 
gun to "read sew and say their Catechism as well as could be 
expected in the time." And, added Mr. Auchmuty: "I have 
cautiously avoided requiring too much from the Mistress at first 
therefore, have not as yet required her Attendance with her 
Scholars, at Church on Prayer Days; for, after the School is out 
she has her Self & Children to take care off: & victuals to pre- 
pare which she cannot do, while the Scholars are about her, 
besides some of the Children begin to be useful at Home, are 
able to lay a Cloth, to wait on the Table, therefore should I de- 
tain them till Prayers are over at Church, I fear it would oc- 
casion some uneasiness and grumbling, wch I would chuse to 
avoid." 100 Accompanying the report was the following list of 
slaves which shows 9 boys and 21 girls: 



87 Quoted by Dix, ibid., p. 295. Mr. Auchmuty definitely announced, in writing 
the S. P. G., that the school opened Sept. 22, 1760. Letter-book, B, 2 , p. 2. 

88 Apr. 4, 1761, Auchmuty to Sec. of Associates, Archives of Associates. 
•• Aug. 8, 1761, ibid. 

■ oo Oct. 7, 1761, ibid. 



258 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Names Owners Age Improvement When Admitted 

1. Isabella Mr. Cockraft 10. Bap. Reads, works &c. October 29-1760 

2. Flora Mr. Vanhorne 11. N.B. Learning to spell &c. December 1760 

3 Mercy Mr. Romer 11. Bap. Do Febry 17 1761 

4 Rosannah Mr. Rinders 10. Bap. Do Febry 19 1761 
5. Judah Mr. Rinders 9. Bap. Reads well &c. Febry 19 1761 
6 Thomas Do 7. Bap. Learning to spell &c. Do 

7. Flora Do 5. Bap. Do Do 

8 Sarah A free child 11. Do Do January 1761 

9. Rachel Do 8. Do Do Do 

10. Nancy Mr. Cockrafts 7. Do Do Febry 1761 

11. Susanah J. Cruger Esq. 6. Do Do October 27 

12. Mary Mr. Wendeth- 

ams 6. Do Do Octr 29 1760 

13. Hannah R. Nicholls 

Esq. 8. Do Reads very well &c. 

14. Dinah Mr. Ludlows 6. N.B. Learning to spell &c. May 27 1760 

15. Cloe Dr. Johnsons 7. Bap. Do May 1761 

16. Sally Mr. Devoot 6. Do Do Janry 1761 

17. Mercy Mr. Governeur 6. Do Do Novr 3 1760 

18. Andrew Do 5. Do Do Do 

19. Elizabeth Mr. Kittletask 5. Do Do Nov. 3 1760 

20. Mary Mr. Banckers 5. Do Reads well &c. Septemr 22 1760 

21. Polly Mrs. Shavers 6. N.B. Learning to Spell &c. Do 

22. William Mr. Fells 9. Bap. Do May 5 1761 

23. Jack Mr. Montanies 6. Do Do 

24. Jack Mr. Astines 6. Do Do Janry 1761 

25. Samuel Dr. Bards 5. Do Do Do 

26. Aeneas Mrs. Elistons 10. Do Do July 18 1761 

27. Cuffee Mrs. Moone 6. Bap. Learning to spell &c. April 8 1761 

28. Richard Mr. Banckers 5. bap. Do October 1760 

29. Marian Mr. Schuylers 7. bap. Do Do 

30. Sylvia Free Child 8. bap. Do May 1761." 

The Associates evinced the greatest satisfaction over the suc- 
cess of the school and resolved to refer the future management 
entirely to Mr. Auchmuty. 101 Between 1762 and 1768, inclusive, 
an average of two reports per year were made and these are now 
preserved in the archives of the Associates, but reports for the 
ensuing three years have been lost. Besides these, three subse- 
quent reports for 1772 and 1774 are to be found. They uni- 
formly certify to the marked success of the undertaking. As 
soon as any left the school others took their places. In 1765 
the school was alloM^ed to exceed the usual complement. Said 
Mr. Auchmuty: "There are now no less than thirty seven 
Scholars. The reason of exceeding the Number is that some of 
the oldest will leave the School this fall; and the Mistress has 
interceded with me to permit her to take all that at present of- 
fers, which will] more than fill up their places. Those that are 



ioi Minute-book, 1735-1768, p. 168. January 1762. 



The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 259 

to leave the School are well instructed in reading & sewing 
and say their Catechism & prayers perfectly well; & what is 
is very commendable, & pleasing are very sober & orderly Chil- 
dren." 102 "The school succeeds beyond my Expectations, and 
is a great blessing to the poor Slaves, " it was stated in the next 
report but one. 103 Regarding the pupils he reported: "The 
Scholars improve every day in reading, Spelling, & Working 
. . . I seldom miss hearing them read & say their Catechism 
once a week, & can with great pleasure assure you, that they 
dayly improve. I have put several of them to learn Lewis' 
Catechism and propose the rest shall begin with it, as soon as 
they are perfect in the Church Catechism." 104 And again he 
wrote: "Many of them are very notable at their work, and 
read extremely well." 105 In 1767 he said of them: "Those that 
have left the School after proper Instruction, attend every Sun- 
day Evening . . . with the Adult blacks, & are Catechised 
and I have the pleasure to inform you that I have not heard 
of one among them, that has turned out bad." 106 In 1762 
psalmody was added to the curriculum, and this in turn, added to 
the delight of the slaves. It was provided for them once a week. 
"I have also prevailed upon the Master of our Charity School," 
the Catechist announced, "to instruct them and the black Adults 
in Psalmody, in which they soon became proficient." 107 The 
schoolmistress Mr. Auchmuty found to be a really deserving 
woman, who conscientiously discharged her duty. 108 "I must 
do the Mistress Justice to say," he wrote, "that she is faithful 
and diligent. She takes a great deal of pains and employs her 
whole time to her business." 109 Furthermore, she was "very 
clever at her business," 110 and seemed to be "very happy with 
her employment." 111 

It seems certain that Mrs. Lowner was constantly supplied 
with books by the Associates. As we have seen, it was publicly 



102 Auchmuty to the Sec. of the Associates, May 31, 1765. 

"a Ibid., Dec. 22, 1766. 

i°« Ibid., Apr. 19, 1763. 

me Ibid., Oct. 20, 1763. 

wo md. May 1, 1767. 

"J Ibid., Oct. 18, 1762. 

"a IMd., May 18, 1762. 

»» Ibid., Oct. 20, 1763. 

no Ibid., May 1, 1767. 

in Ibid., May 9, 1768. 



260 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

announced that all books would be furnished. The incomplete 
records at present available show three consignments only, to 
wit: a box of books in 1760 ; 112 "Psalters, Testaments, Common 
Prayers & Bibles," in 1761 ; 113 and in 1765, "Spelling books & 
suitable Catechetical books." 114 

The school was probably abandoned by the Associates about 
the year 1775. No further records of it are found from that 
time. 115 In the minutes of the Associates there is an abstract of 
Mr. Auchmuty's reports in 1774. It represents the final available 
document relating to the New York school, and is as follows: 

1 "Dr. Auchmuty in a list, Sept. 28, 1774 says the negro school continues 1 
|full, several of the children read very well & know the whole of their cate- J 
1 chism. They attend Church constantly on Sundays & often on week days. 
I The mistress continues her usual diligence, but is in a very declining state 
\of health, he fears they shall soon lose her. Upon enquiry he finds that 
those who have been brought up in the school behave remarkably well. In , 
\a 2nd Letter Oct. 20 1774 he says the School-mistress died on the 19th & 
! adds she was faithful in the discharge of her duty & a good Christian^. He 
says he would by no mean throw any obstacle in the way against continuing 
the school, but his conscience obliges him to inform the Associates that the 
possessors of slaves in N. York are opulent & well able to put their children 
to school & pay for it. He believes some will do so, though not perhaps 
generally. The future welfare of the poor negroes has been one of principal 
objects of his attention for a number of years — from 10 communicants he 
found, when he first took charge of them he can now see at one time near 
60; besides a Sunday evening lecture for the benefit of the negroes he has 
at the request of a number of good christians set on foot another at the house 
of an amiable man, & Mr. Beckman an opulent merchant, on Thursday 
evenings, & this Dr. A. attends occasionally. In his absence one of the 
blacks, a sincere good man, reads such part of the Church Service as seem 
best adapted to their capacities & by this means therefore thinks that if, 
instead of reviving the school, this method were adopted & part of salary 
formerly given were bestowed upon some honest good Christian, who would 
constantly attend upon the poor slaves at their meetings, read for them, 
visit them when sick, & inform him of everything relating to the conduct of 
those who are christians, it might answer the design of the Associates better 
than a school, because the blacks thus blessed with an able instructor would 
as many of them now are, soon be qualified to instruct their own children. 
Agreed to ask Dr. A. to consider whether it may not be most eligible to ap- 
point some serious good Christian man to be a schoolm r for such negro chil- 
dren, as shall appear to him to be most proper objects, & who may also in- 
struct the adult negroes on Thursdays at their meetings, visit the sick &c. 
provided the Salary does not exceed £20 p. a. This is submitted entirely 
to Dr. A's judgement, & that he be asked to adopt such a plan as he shall 
think best answers Associate's intention. " 116 



i" Dr. Johnson to Sec. of Associates, July 28, 1760. 

"» Minute-book, 1735-1768, p. 152. 

i» Ibid., p. 239. 

us The same is true regarding the schools in Newport, WiUiamsburgh and Phila- 
delphia. Their records cease in 1775. Philadelphia's school, however, was resumed 
in 1783 and continued until 1836 if not longer. 

"« March 2, 1775. Minute-book, 1768-1808, p. 72. 



The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 261 

Provided a successor to Mrs. Lowner was appointed, the school 
must have suffered the same interruption as the charity school 
during the calamities of 1776; after which it could not have been 
revived. In view of the marked success of the work of the Bray 
Associates, it does not seem unfair to suppose that, with its fine 
record still fresh in the minds of many of the citizens, this Negro 
school served as a decided stimulus to the gentlemen who, in 
1787, instituted the "New York African Free School." 117 



"» See, Andrews, Hist, of the New York African Free-Schools, p. 7. 



CHAPTER XII 

THE ROUTINE AND CURRICULUM OF THE SOCIETY'S 

SCHOOLS 

The records of the Society have few documents which refer 
to school routine. Those that are available show adherence to 
the usual school programs of that period. Sessions were con- 
tinuous throughout the year. The time Mr. Bartow "took to 
himself" was a fortnight at Christmas, a week at Easter, a week 
at Whitsuntide, and every Saturday afternoon. 1 It is probable 
that this represents a somewhat more generous allowance than 
schoolmasters generally made for themselves. Frequent Holy 
Days at that time interspersed the school calendar. To offset 
the objection to so many interruptions, Chaplain Sharpe of New 
York sent the following proposal to the Society: "That every 
Holy day they meet to go to Church in a body, and in the after- 
noon of the same day an hour at School be spent in Catechetical 
exercises. This will help to retrieve the Honour of these days 
so profanely perverted in this wicked age to Idleness and Ryot- 
ing. I have heard the parents often complain of the Multitude 
of Holy days presented at Schools by which their children lost 
much of their time, yet I am persuaded were the days relig- 
iously observed they would not gruge those appointed by the 
Calendar which would give them only a moderate relaxation, but no 
indulgence to licentiousness." 2 Since no order followed the sug- 
gestion of the over-anxious clergyman, let us hope that the in- 
novation was not carried out. The length of the school day was 
from five to eight hours. Where, as in Westchester County, the 
scholars were scattered, the hours were five in winter and six in 
summer; 3 on Long Island and in New York City, they were six 
and eight respectively. 4 



i S. P. G. Letter-book. B, 13, p. 337. 

•Lambeth Archives, 841 fol. 18 ft. March 11, 1713. 

• See reports of Forster, Bartow and Purely, previously cited. 

* Reports of Temple, Keble and Huddleston. 

262 



The Routine and Curriculum of the Society's Schools 263 

The early curriculum of the schools included for all the chil- 
dren reading and church catechism with the explanation thereof. 
Since nearly all of the reading was based on the Scriptures, it 
is apparent that the inculcation of religious doctrine was of the 
greatest possible consequence, to which all other work was sub- 
sidiary. But for those more promising pupils advancement to 
writing and then to ciphering was made possible when some 
degree of proficiency in reading was once attained. In 1717 
William Forster had seventeen learning "to read and spell," 
primers being used for this when they could be had for his be- 
ginners, after which they were advanced to the psalter, prayer- 
book, testament, and Bible. 5 Nine scholars weie in writing, and 
six in arithmetic — "3 in reduction, 1 in multiplication, 1 in ad- 
dition and 1 in practice." 6 At the same time he taught Rev. 
Wm. Bartow's son grammar, an interesting detail since the sub- 
ject does not again occur until Mr. Bull's appointment in New 
York City. 7 Mr. Forster was likewise accommodating in the 
subject of arithmetic. In 1723 he wrote: "Severall Scholars 
are not only qualified for Country Employments but for other busi- 
ness for I teach all of the Rules of Vulgar and Decimal Arithmetic 
and Mr. Bartow's eldest son is now about to learn Geometry 
Trigonometry Surveying and other branches of the Mathe- 
maticks." 8 That this was not Forster's regular custom is ex- 
plained in his letter of 1728: "The reason there are no more, is 
my teaching them Quick, and as they generally learn no further 
than the double rule of Three or Practice, one Sett goes off be- 
fore another is grown up fit to come. " 9 Other mention of open- 
ing besides Forster's is made by 1730. 10 Purdy in 1733 was of- 
fering his pupils "Ch. of England Catechism as also what other 
learning he has to render them able to know their duty to God 
by reading the Scriptures"; in addition, "as much reading & 
writing & arithmetic as may receive the common occasions of 
vulgar people, which is the most people will aspire to." 11 For 



6 S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 401 ; Letter-book, A, 12, p. 364. 
« Ibid. 

7 That is, as shown by the records. But it seems certain that grammar was not 
in the elementary curriculum during the eighteenth century, save in a few exceptions 
like this one. 

» S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 17, p. 228. 
» Ibid., A, 21, p. 348. 
io Ibid., A, 23, p. 82. 
» Ibid., A, 24, p. 470. 



264 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

writing we learn that, through his own deficiency, he procured 
"copies writ by the best Masters," and found the scheme an- 
swered well. 12 Spelling was seldom mentioned except by Mr. 
Hildreth, 13 but it was part of the curriculum in most of 
the schools, as an adjunct to the technique of reading. It hardly 
had a distinct place for the purpose of developing perfection in 
spelling ability. To write well was much more to be desired 
than to spell correctly in that day. 

The eighteenth century was not far advanced when both 
writing and arithmetic came into great demand and schools re- 
sponded to the new need. As early as 1713 Mr. Sharpe pointed 
out that, on account of the convenient situation of New York 
City, the people were principally interested in trade; and that, 
in consequence of this, there was a far greater demand for writ- 
ing and arithmetic than there was for letters. 14 Courses in 
"Merchants Accounts" were added to the usual work in arith- 
metic. In advertising, schoolmasters made specific mention of 
their attention to this matter, and soon offered other branches, 
such as navigation, surveying, mensuration, and even astronomy . 
The following from one of the New York City papers is a typical 
illustration of the above: 

"Writing, Arithmetick, Merchants Accounts, Navigation, Surveying, 
Mensuration, Gauging, Dialing, and Astronomy, etc. regularly taught by 
James Bragg, at the foot of Pot-Baker's Hill, in one of Mr. Peck's new houses; 
Where there is a commodious Room for Young Gentlemen, to be instructed 
in any of the Branches of the Mathematics, retired from those that are only 
taught, Reading, Writing and Arithmetick. Due Attendance will be given 
to Young Gentlemen and Ladies at their Houses if required. Gentlemen 
Sailors and others, are taught Navigation in a short time and reasonable.'" 16 

Whether the Society's schools in general added to the arith- 
metic of th earlier curriculum is questionable, but in the city 
itself Mr. Hildreth introduced "Merchants Accompts" for his 
young scholars as one of the essentials for their preparation for 
trade. 16 In 1769 he reported "Arithmetick and several Branches 
of the Mathematicks. " l7 The singing of psalms was a feature 
of the schools where the S. P. G. schoolmasters were able to con- 



» Ibid. 

»3 Ibid., B, 3, pp. 158, 159. 

" Lambeth Archives, 841, fol. 18. See previous quotation p. 68. 

" New York Weekly Post-boy, March 31, 1755. 

»« S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 158, 159, 163. 

" Ibid., B, 3, p. 294. 



The Routine and Curriculum of the Society's Schools 265 

duct it. This was mentioned by Mr. Huddleston and Mr. For- 
ster at an early date. 18 It seems to have received considerable 
attention from Mr. Hildreth. In 1739 Trinity Vestry voted him 
the "Sum of five pounds for his Care and pains in having the 
Children taught to Sing Psalms." He instructed such as were 
capable, so he reported, in Psalmody on three days in the week. 19 
Mr. Bull also instructed in it. 20 On three occasions the Trinity 
organist was allowed goodly sums for composing music for the 
charity scholars. 21 Psalmody was also part of the curriculum of 
Mr. Young's school in Westchester in 1769." Mr. Bull added 
English grammar to the program of the charity school of the 
city when he succeeded Mr. Hildreth. 23 It is the only instance 
of it to be found save the special instruction in it, which Forster 
introduced for a while. On the whole the curriculum confined 
itself pretty closely to the three R's with assiduous and constant 
religious teaching. Even Quakers and dissenters who attended 
were compelled to submit to this, though they were usually 
spared the most rigorous parts of the orthodox faith. 

There is no indication that the program was altered in any 
way for the girls, except in the city of New York. But we may 
assume that they were not given much instruction in writing or 
arithmetic. They were not supposed to need these subjects 
to any extent. 24 As to arithmetic, this seems to hold true of the 
entire period of the Society's labors, and up to about 1760 it 
appears to be the case with writing. In reading and religious 
teaching they received equal advantages with the boys; and 
besides this, their education was about complete when they 
could be made skillful in needlework, an art which they at first 
acquired in the home. When Mrs. Huddleston assisted her 
husband, she may have taught needlework to the girls, though 
it has not been so reported. However, when a schoolmistress 
was added to care for the girls of Mr. Hildreth's school, she 
taught them both reading and needlework. 25 By 1766 they 



is 1716, ibid.. A, 12, p. 244; 1717, ibid.. A, 12, 364; Journal, III, p. 401. 

" Ibid., B, 3, pp. 163, 294, 295. 

»°S. P. G. Journal, XXII, p. 142. 

h 1767, 1772, 1773, Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, pp. 332, 362, 371. 

51 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 294, 295. 

» S. P. G. Journal, XXII, p. 142. 

M Memoirs of an American Lady, by Mrs. Grant, p. 27. 

" S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 155, 157. 



266 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

were learning "Needlework, Spelling & reading" with the school- 
mistress. 26 When the girls had acquired a knowledge of reading 
they went to Mr. Hildreth for an hour every afternoon to be 
taught writing. 27 

The development of the principal subjects of the schools is 
best described by one of the Pennsylvania schoolmasters and will 
be given below. It represents, perhaps, the method of a teacher 
of more than ordinary ability, yet the writer believes it is 
fairly illustrative of a majority of the S. P. G. schoolmasters. 
Writing', to the Society from Chester, Pennsylvania, June 17, 
1730, Mr. Rowland Jones thus described his work: "Sir, you 
required an account of my method of Instruction in school. I 
endeavor (for beginners), to get Primmers well furnished with 
sylables, vizt, from one to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. I take them 
several times over them till they are perfect by way of repeating 
according as I find occasion and then to some place forward ac- 
cording to their capacity and commonly every two or three 
leaves,' I make them repeat perhaps 2 or 3 times over, and when 
they get the Primer well I serve them so in the Psalter and we 
have some Psalters with the Proverbs in at the latter end. I 
give them that to learn the which I take to be very agreeable 
and still follow repetitions till I find they are masters of such 
places. Then I remove them, into such places as I judge they 
are fit for either in the new or old Testament and as I find they 
advance I move them not regarding the beginning or ending of 
the Bible but moving them where I think they may have benefit 
by. So making of them perfect in their vowels, consonants and 
dipthongs, and when they go on their reading clean without any 
noising, singing or stumbling, with deliberate way, then I set 
them to begin the Bible, in order to go throughout. And when 
I begin writers I follow them in the letters till they come to cut 
pretty clean letters and then to one syllable and so to 2, 3, 4 
and to the longest words and when they join handsomely I give 
them some sweet pleasing verses, some perhaps on their business, 
some on behaviour, some on their duty to Parents, &c; of such 
I seldom want them at command and when they come to manage 
double copies readily I give them some delightful sentences or 



« Ibid., B, 3, p. 159. 

" Ibid., B, 3, pp. 157, 158, 159. 



The Routine and Curriculum of the Society's Schools 267 

Proverbs or some places in the Psalms or any part of the Bible 
as they are of forwardness and also to other fancies that may be 
of their benefit. And when I set them to cyphering I keep them 
to my old fancy of repeating and shall go over every Rule till 
they are in a case to move forward and so on. And I find no 
way that goes beyond that way of repeating both in spelling, 
reading, writing and cyphering, and several Gentlemen, vizt 
ministers and others, has commended it and some schoolmasters 
take to it and tho' I speak it I have met with no children of the 
standing or time of mine could come up with them on all ac- 
counts or hardly upon any; I also give them tasks (when able) 
to learn out of Books according to their ability, but one Girl 
exceeds all. She had a great many parts in the Bible by heart 
and had the whole Book of St. John and hardly would miss a 
word. I put them to spell twice a week and likewise to cate- 
chism and likewise I catechise every Saturday and often on Thurs- 
days. Some times I set them to sing Psalms also other exercises 
I put them to. I also had some Quakers children on Long Is- 
land and some Presbyterians in New England. I asked some 
of the Quakers what exercise they would allow their children to 
learn besides spelling, reading and writing. Some gave me 
liberty to teach their children the Lord's prayer, the creed and 
the ten commandments. Those and some others got the Church 
Catechism by heart as well as the Church people's children. 
Some of the Parents when they understood it they sent for me 
and were much offended. However I asked them to hear the 
children rehearse it, all the Parents being in place which gave 
the above liberty with a design to take their children from my 
school. So the children were called. I began with my bold 
boy and the rest followed and after few words at first went as far 
as the Sacraments the which I knew they would hear nothing 
of that but as for the rest they said that they had never heard a 
better thing and told me to keep them to it; It was on Long 
Island. Several of them are grown up, and are firm in church, 
and some of their parents also. Some of the Presbyterians 
turned to the Church both Parents and children tho' they for 
the generality make use of the Assembly's Catechism. Sir, I 
have done according to my ability as much for the poor as any 
in these parts, also in setting forward towards the worship in 



268 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

the Church which I hope will prosper and flourish tho' I am but 
a weak limb and can do but little, and desiring the Lord that 
he may bless it. " 28 

Mr. Jones's account is interesting not only for the explanation 
of method but for the insight it gives into the school program. 
Three other reports may be offered to indicate the nature of the 
latter. In 1715 Rowland Ellis, the Society's schoolmaster in 
Burlington, New Jersey, gave his program as follows: "After 
morning prayers each class reads a chapter or two in the Old or 
New Testament, then cypher, write, or read, and the small chil- 
dren spell, at 11 o'clock all but the Quakers go to Church, read 
& write till 4, then spell & go to prayers. On Tuesdays, Thurs- 
days & Saturdays every week, and in the Church, every Sunday, 
he catechises these children that are of the Church." 29 

The two Huddlestons are the only schoolmasters in New York 
who have given a program of the day's work. "I teach," wrote 
William Huddleston, "in the morning reading and writing till 
11 — then the Bell rings them to prayers, where they daily appear 
to the great growth of the Church — In the afternoon they spell, 
read, write, & cypher from 1 to 5, when they read the Psalms for 
the day, & every one answers that can read — then they sing a 
staff or two of the Psalms they have just read — thus ends the 
day." 30 Three times a week he taught "the Catechism & on 
Sundays, Graces & prayers by heart." "On Sundays after 
prayers & sermon" the pupils returned to the school, where 
"they that could read," repeated "the texts & proofs of that 
days Sermons." The first class then answered "a Chapter or 
two out of Lewis' Explanation," and the rest repeated the cate- 
chism. Then, "after prayers & psalms sung," he dismissed 
them. 31 Besides adding a half hour to the working day, Thomas 
Huddleston carefully followed the method of his father. He 
said: "The needfull at present is to acquaint you with ye Condi- 
tion of my school and ye Method and Success of my Teaching. 
I do teach them to read and write in ye forenoon from Eight 
till a half an hoar past Eleven. And ye afternoon, I teach them 
to read write & cypher from one till five and so Conclude with 



"Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit, II, pp. 169-171. 

» S. P. G. Journal, III., p. 156. 

»o Sept. 14, 1716, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 12, p. 244. 

« Ibid. 



The Routine and Curriculum of the Society' 's Schools 269 

Singing of a staff or two of a Psalm. I alsoe teach them their 
Catechism three Times a week, their Graces and prayers after 
that. Those yt are in ye first and Second Classes I cause them 
to answer me a Chapter or two in Dr. Lewis's Explanation of ye 
Church Catechism which I hope will be well pleasing to Almighty 
God & will be satisfaction to my Honourable Masters. " 32 

The overpowering amount of religious instruction is to be 
noted. With most of the sects it was typical of the period. Con- 
stant and unwearied inculcation of the Scriptures was the one an- 
tidote for the menacing wiles of the evil one. Dutch liberality in 
Sabbath observance was especially horrifying to the very ortho- 
dox, and assiduous activity was prescribed to counteract it. Re- 
ferring to this "wantonness" on the part of the Dutch, Chaplain 
Sharpe represented the Church of England attitude towards it. 
In doing so he gives us one possible reason for the extremely re- 
ligious curriculum. Another reason was that it coincided with 
the desires of the Society, and was in correspondence with the 
curriculum of the charity schools of the S. P. C. K. The follow- 
ing is quoted from Chaplain Sharpe's proposals of 1713: "That 
above all they be taught to sanctify the Lord's day, which alas! 
is but very little regarded in all places of the Country. The 
laws of the land do restrain all serville labor on this day and so 
farr its' not transgress'd but then its' consum'd to worse pur- 
poses, vizt. Idleness and drinking, play and wantonness. The 
Dutch for the most part pretend to follow their great writer 
Cocceius and allow only that part of the day which is set apart 
for publick divine Service, when that is over its' usual to see 
the men walk on the Change the children and negroes playing 
in the streets and in the Country trap ball, bowling & the like: 
this I have often observed with great concern and believe it may 
be more easily prevented for the future by a religious education 
than remedyed now. If the minds of the Youth are tinctured 
with a religious concern for the honour of times places & persons 
set apart for the more immediate Service of God we may reason- 
ably hope to see a visible reformation of manners. If the Youth 
that are now the main Actors in these disorders are taken off & 
reclaimed, what may we expect when they come to be Masters 
particularly heads of families and Magistrates in the land but 



« Letter, undated, but received March 1725, ibid., B, 1, p. 106. 



270 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

that like zealous Joshua they will resolve and do. I and my 
house we will serve the Lord. To this end I now propose when 
they come from Church that they meet in the School and spend 
an hour or more. Let the Master read some Catechetical in- 
structions as Hammond, Bray, Newsome, &c. Let them read 
in order a Chapter of the whole duty of Man some Chapters of 
the New Testament, and conclude with psalmody & prayer & 
so return to their houses with impressions of Holiness upon their 
hearts to sanctify the Evening in the several families to which 
they belong." 33 

The only text-books were those for reading. These were of 
two classes — the one class made up of books that were to be 
read for their content, and the other used largely as a stepping- 
stone to the art, having thereby much of the nature of our pres- 
ent technique books. But the content of the second class so 
far as there could be content, was, like the first class, nearly 
altogether religious and moral. The records, it must be ad- 
mitted, are so inadequate regarding text-books, that only in a 
general way can they be indicated here. 

On the whole, the scarcity of books was such that school- 
masters thankfully availed themselves of any they could pro- 
cure. Beginners were usually given some kind of a practice 
book before going on to the content books. For these various 
texts were used, since there was no uniformity or regularity in 
the different schools. There is absolute evidence that horn- 
books, ABC books, primers, and spelling-books were used at 
different times and in different places. Because of this, it is a 
fair assumption that one or another kind of these texts was being 
used by every schoolmaster. 

If we except the Indian hornbook, referred to in another 
chapter, Cleator is the only schoolmaster of the Society who 
definitely reports the use of the "Home book." 34 Two school- 
masters used ABC books; 35 and Elias Neau, the catechist, 
used what was probably an adaptation of these, namely, the 
"ABC with Church Catechism." 36 Primers were studied 



" Lambeth Archives, 841, fol. 18 f. 

'4 1714, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 225; A, 10, p. 169. 

« Gildersleve in 1718, ibid, A, 13, p. 433; Journal, III, p. 299. Forster in 1718, 
Letter-book, A, 13, p. 434. 
»« Ibid., A, 3, p. 174. 



The Routine and Curriculum of the Society's Schools 271 

by the children in Rye 37 during the time of Cleator at least, and 
by the children of West Chester in the time of Forster. 38 In 
New York City they were, in all probability, constantly used, 
though mentioned in connection with the Huddlestons and 
Hildreth only. 39 These primers, we may conclude, combined 
features of the catechism with their usual characteristics. In 
two instances we have a basis for the belief. Forster states that 
"Children read & spell in Primmers with the Ch. catechism when 
to be got;" 40 and Cleator speaks of "Catechisms or Ch. of Eng- 
land primers." 41 Moreover, there appears to be a close relation 
between the primers and the "Catechisms broke into Small 
questions" sent to Forster at West Chester, 42 as well as the 
"Catechisms broke into short sentences" sent to Gildersleeve 
at Hempstead. 43 Such books were very likely adaptations, with 
primer additions, of "The Church Catechism broke into short 
Questions" which the S. P. C. K. schools were using. 

The earliest mention of spelling books was in 1712. 44 In 1733 
Davies at Southampton requested and was allowed a set of 
"Tho: Dyche's Spelling books." 45 This was doubtless the same 
as "A Guide to the English Tongue, in Two Parts," by Thos. 
Dyche, an edition of which was published by Hugh Ganies, 
New York, in 1753. 46 Spelling books were also dispatched to 
Auchmuty at New York and to Charlton on Staten Island. 47 
Hildreth was allowed "Fisher's Spelling books" in 1767 ; 48 and 
about 1770 Colin McLeland at Johnstown had most of his pupils 
"in their Spelling books." 49 Whether Dyche's and Fisher's 
texts differed in any significant way from the Dilworth spelling 
book is uncertain. Possibly they were somewhat more strictly 

"Indicated by Cleator 1709; 1714, 1717, ibid., A, 5, p. 10; A, 9, p. 225; A, 10 
p. 169; Journal, III, p. 6. 

as Circum, 1717, S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 401. 

S9 By Wm. Huddleston in 1715, 1716 and 1722, S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 113; Letter- 
book, A, 11, p. 356; A, 16, p. 261. By Thos. Huddleston in 1725 and 1729, S. P. G. 
Journal, V, p. 86; Letter-book, B, 1, p. 106; B, 1, p. 61. By Hildreth in 1767, S. 
P. G. Journal, XVII, p. 231. 

40 Ibid., III., p. 401. Italics not in original. 

41 Ibid., III., p. 289. Italics not in original. 
« 1718 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 434. 
"1718, ibid.. A, 13, 433; Journal, III, p. 299. 

** Requested by Cleator, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 8, p. 114. 
« S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 124; Letter-book, B, 1, p. 9. 

48 See Ford, Journal of Hugh Gaines, Printer, I, p. 88 ; Evans, American Biblio- 
graphy, 1639-1820, No. 6995. 

" S. P. G. Journal, XII, p. 104; XIII, p. 137; XV, p. 4. 

« Ibid., XVII, p. 231. 

« S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 342. 



272 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

orthodox and modeled upon texts adopted by the S. P. C. K. 
The Dilworth text, on the other hand, had such general circula- 
tion and use, and was so well adapted to Church schools that it 
is questionable whether it was not in use in the S. P. G. schools 
even more than those texts of which we have specific mention. 

As soon as the pupils could read sufficiently well, they were 
advanced to the various religious texts by means of which they 
were to be grounded in a knowledge of the Scriptures and in the 
tenets of the Church. For this reading the following books 
served as texts: The Church Catechism, Lewis's Exposition of 
the Church Catechism, The Psalter, The Common Prayer Book, 
The Testament, The Bible. The order in which these were 
read depended on their availability. Where choice could be 
made, the order seems to have been catechism or psalter, or 
both, followed by Lewis's Exposition thereof, 50 while the re- 
maining books were used interchangeably. Special emphasis 
was laid on the learning of the Church catechism by heart as 
soon as possible, that children might thereby become early 
candidates for Communion. The psalter and prayer book were 
given much attention also because of their place in the Church 
service. Testaments presumably furnished all of the historical 
pabulum of the curriculum, save the Bible itself. The latter 
was apparently used less extensively in the schools than other 
books. Many tracts were put in the hands of pupils but evi- 
dence is lacking to show that they were used as texts. The de- 
sign of the Society was to distribute its tracts so as to have them 
carried into the homes for family reading. 

The range of books listed for the charity schools in England 
was wider and doubtless the supply of each kind was more ade- 
quate. While this is true, it can also be said that the S. P. C. K. 
schools furnished the model from which the sister Society adapted 
the text-books for the colonial schools. 

Most of the books came from England and were largely the 
result of the Society's generosity. With a great amount of 
direct evidence there is the further presumption that grants of 
books were more frequent than present records show. But some 
books were supplied in the province itself, in all probability, 
though there is no direct proof of this beyond the citation here- 



to s. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 186; XV., p. 260; Letter-book, B, 3, p. 167. 



The Routine and Curriculum of the Society 1 s Schools 273 

tofore made of the benefactions of Trinity Vestry. There is 
presumptive evidence in the fact that some of the text-books 
were being imported and edited by New York printers. 51 

Through the courtesy of Mr. George A. Plimpton of New 
York City, who generously allowed the writer to examine his 
remarkable collection of early text-books, a description of some 
texts similar to those used in the Society's schools can be in- 
cluded here. The first is a copy of the thirty-first edition of 
John Lewis 1 s Exposition of the Catechism, printed at London 
in 1769 for the S. P. C. K. The full title of this little 16 mo. 
book is, "The Church Catechism Explained by Way of Question 
and Answer and confirmed by Scripture Proofs: divided into 
Five Parts and Twelve Sections; wherein is given a brief and plain 
Account of I. The Christian Covenant II. The Christian Faith 
III. The Christian Obedience IV. The Christian Prayer V. The 
Christian Sacraments." The contents of its ninety-eight pages 
are as follows, all of the sections given being arranged in the 
form of question and answer: 

Dedicatory Epistle to members of the S. P. C. K 2 

Preface 4 

Introduction from Dr. Comber 2 " 

Part I. The Christian Covenant 13 " 

Sec. 1. Of the Benefits of Baptism; Or, the Mercies afforded on 

God's Part. 
Sec. 2. Of the Vow of Baptism; or the conditions required on our 
Part. 

Part II. The Christian Faith 25 " 

Sec. 3. Of the Creed; particularly what we are to believe concern- 
ing God the Father. 
Sec. 4. Of God the Son; particularly his Names Offices and Rela- 
tions. 
Sec. 5. Of Christ's Humiliation. 
Sec. 6. Of Christ's Exaltation. 

Sec. 7. Of God the Holy Ghost, and the remaining articles of the 
Creed. 

Part III. The Christian Obedience 22 " 

Sec. 8. Of the Ten Commandments; particularly of our Duty to- 
wards God, contained in the four first commandments. 
Sec. 9. Of our Duty towards our Neighbor; contained in the six 
last commandments. 

Part IV. The Christian Prayer 9 " 

Sec. 10. Of the Lord's Prayer. 

w The writer has found the following references to the importing and printing of 
books which were similar to those used in the Society schools: (1) William Brad- 
ford, 1733 advertizes imported books, New York Gazette, Nov. 26, 1733, and later 
issues; prints books 1740, Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 215. (2) Hugh Gaines 
1745 advertizes imported books, New York Weekly Post-Boy , Oct. 7, 1745; prints 
books 1753, 1755, 1761, Evans, American Bibliography, op. cit.. No. 6995, No. 7408, 
No. 8839. (3) Parker and Weyman at Beaver St., advertize imported books 1755, 
New York Weekly Post-Boy , Jan. 13, 1755 and later issues; print books 1753. 1754. 
-? 1761, Evans, op. cit., No. 7039, No. 7183, No. 8893. 



274 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

Part V. The Christian Sacramenta 17 " 

Sec. 11. Of the two Sacraments; and first of Baptism. 

Sec. 12. Of the Lord's Supper. 

Sec. the last. Of Confirmation. 

Morning and Evening Prayer 2 " 

Prayers for the use of schools 2 " 

The second is an octavo text "Composed for the Use of 
English-Schools, and humbly offered to the Masters of the Char- 
ity-Schools — By their Loving Brother, T. C." It was printed 
by J. Downing at London in 1712. Following is the table of 
contents : 

Dedication 

Several columns of the Alphabet in various characters, both small 
and great; grouped into vowels, mutes, liquids, and double con- 
sonants 1 page 

Early syllables of two letters with their use in words 3 pages 

The same used in longer words 3 " 

Phonics 2 " 

Three letter syllables, with their use in words 15 " 

jr our u it n a a it a j^ tt 

Five " " " " " " " ..15 " 

Qj_ tt tt It II It tt It o it 

Words with syllables of seven and eight letters 1 " 

This book bore the title of "The Anatomy of Orthography: or 
a Practical Introduction to the Art of Spelling and Reading 
English, adapted to mean Capacities." The last text is one 
that probably was modeled after the ABC books sent out by 
the Society. This text, in the form of a pamphlet is entitled, 
"The ABC with the Church of England Catechism to which 
is annexed, Prayers used in the Academy of the Protestant Epis- 
copal Church in Philadelphia; also A Hymn on the Nativity of 
our Saviour, and another for Easter Day." It was printed at 
Philadelphia in 1785 its contents being: 

Alphabet in various forms; punctuation marks; ab — eb — ib — etc. 

syllables 1 page 

The Church of England Catechism in form of question and answer .... 7 pages 

Prayers used in the Academy 2 " 

Graces and Hymns 2 " 



CONCLUSION 

The support of schools in the province of New York by the 
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts forms 
but one chapter in its vast program of colonial evangelization. 
Through the encouragement of schoolmasters and missionaries, 
its field of labor during the eighteenth century covered nearly 
all of the original thirteen colonies, and was extended to the 
islands of the West Indies on the south, as well as to the north- 
eastern provinces of modern Canada. The chief motive of the 
Society was clearly the extension of Christianity to the virgin 
soil of America and keeping it alive among the Europeans 
pioneering in the transatlantic empire. Not only was Christi- 
anity to be fostered, but that particular form of it which was 
typified by the doctrine and worship of the Church of England. 
The seventeenth century had seen the position of the established 
Church most seriously assailed. It had also seen the growth 
of a religious independence and indifference which, to the ortho- 
dox, were the most alarming symptoms of the age. In America, 
too, the century had ended with the colonial Church in grave 
neglect. The need of systematically organized activity in be- 
half of the established Church, both at home and abroad, had 
been convincingly impressed on clergy and laity by the opening 
of the eighteenth century. Out of the awakened Church con- 
sciousness there developed three general aims, (1) the revivifying 
of the churches already founded by supplying them with more 
adequately trained ministers; (2) the planting of churches in 
places where there had never been any, or where they had fallen 
into decay; (3) the training of children in the tenets and worship 
of the church through the direct agency of schools. Appeals for 
the support of these designs were responded to with more than 
usual liberality. 

Methods and procedure along the above lines were left to the 
leaders of the Church to work out. As the first chapter of this 

275 



276 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York 

study has pointed out, the most prominent leader was Rev. 
Thomas Bray. The agencies organized by him and his co-workers 
and adopted by the Church were the two great societies, the S. 
P. C. K. and the S. P. G. 

The support of schools in the Plantations was carried on by 
the S. P. G. with devoted interest. Where cases of retrenchment 
are to be found they are easily explainable as the result of the 
Society's funds, or the lack of co-operation and appreciation on 
the part of the colonists. With such cases in mind, there can 
still be no doubt that the patronage of schools in America by this 
Soiecty formed the foremost philanthropic movement in education 
during the colonial period. 

In the colony of New York, the Society from 1710 to 1776 
continuously supported between five and ten elementary schools. 
The number of pupils who received instruction in them was, as 
we have seen, seldom less than twenty and reached as high as 
eighty-six; while the usual enrolment was approximately forty. 
The variability in the personnel of the schoolmasters proved, at 
times, most unfortunate, but the story of inefficient and negligent 
teachers during the period is common to all sects and to all the 
colonies. 1 On the other hand it is doubtful if any settlement 
in the Plantations could boast of more worthy schoolmasters 
than the records of the Huddlestons and Joseph Hildreth have 
shown them to be. 

The correspondence of the secretaries and other officers of the 
Society clearly indicate the design to have the colonial schools 
patterned after the schools of the S. P. C. K. in England. The 
leaders, however, possessed enough practicality to realize that 
such an ideal could be reached in part only. The charity school 
in New York City was, perhaps, comparable to the best type 
of the S. P. C. K. schools. As for the others, they cannot be 
considered as having much resemblance. Yet, bearing in mind 
the unusual obstacles that were involved, the movement does 
represent a most praiseworthy attempt to adapt the system of 
English charity-schools to the needs of the province. We have 
seen that support usually involved assurances from schoolmasters 
that a specified number should be taught gratis. The policy, 
at any rate, was a guarantee of free tuition, to some extent, in 



1 See Meriwether, Colonial Curriculum, p. 37. 



Conclusion 277 

all the schools. The Society's bounty was usually enough to 
cover the tuition of ten or eleven pupils at current rates of in- 
structing. It is a fact, however, that the non-paying scholars 
were usually in proportion of one-fourth to one-half of the enrol- 
ment; while no fees were paid in Trinity School with the excep- 
tion of about two years in the time of Thomas Huddleston. The 
use of the term "free school" in the colonial period needs more 
explicit interpretation. 2 If it may mean "free tuition," the 
S. P. G. schools were the most deserving in New York Colony 
to be so classified. 

As to a public school system the case is somewhat different. 
There can be no question regarding the attitude of the Society 
itself. The great desire in London was so to engage public opin- 
ion in the colony that self-support of the schools would, after a 
few years, be assumed by the inhabitants. This, it was hoped, 
would give the Society an opportunity to render assistance to the 
newer settlements. But the time failed to come when the "aim 
could be adopted as a working policy. Poverty and educational 
indifference were factors which the Society had to contend with. 
This was certainly true in the case of many of the English col- 
onists. As to the more favored among them, who had the power 
and inclination to educate their children, either the special tutor 
or the private school were the favored agencies — a view to which 
they had been well schooled by generations of tradition. With 
particular reference to the eighteenth century, it is evident that 
the Society's encouragement of schools furnished the nearest 
approach to a public school system that was to be found among 
the English colonists in New York. Notwithstanding the inter- 
ruptions which have been pointed out, they seem to have been 
the most regularly maintained of any. They were not reserved 
for the sole benefit of the children of Church adherents, but ad- 
mitted pupils generally. And they were provided with a system 
of inspection which may be looked upon as semi-public in charac- 
ter. Whether the Society's schools gave encouragement to the 
public school system, ultimately inaugurated by the State, is 
questionable. But when the State did enter upon an educational 
policy, it could well have profited by the stimulus of the century 
and more of achievement of at least one of the Society's founda- 
tions — Trinity School. 



1 Meriwether, op. tit., p. 36. 



BIBLIOGRAPHY . 

Source Material 

1. Abstracts of the Proceedings of the S. P. G., being annual reports of the 

Society. Fairly complete copies are in the New York Public Li- 
brary and the New York Historical Society Library. 

2. American Bibliography, 1639-1820. Chas. Evans, editor. 4 vols., 

Chicago, 1903-6. 

3. Andrews, C. M. and Davenport, F. G. Guide to the Manuscript 

Materials for the History of the United States to 1783, in the British 
Museum, in Minor London Archives, and in the Libraries of Oxford 
and Cambridge. Washington, 1908. 

4. Baxter Manuscripts, in Dr. Williams's Library, Gordon Square, London. 

5. Bray Manuscripts, Sion College Library, Victoria Embankment, London. 

6. Brokerby, . Some Proposals toward propagating the Gospel 

in our American Plantations. In a bundle of S. P. G. papers in the 
N. Y. H. S. Library. 

7. Calendar of Sir William Johnson's Manuscripts. Richard E. Day, 

compiler. Albany, 1909. 

8. Charity-School Reports, being accounts of the S. P. C. K. Charity 

Schools. Sion College Library. 

9. Collections of Papers, being rules and regulations printed by the S. P. G. 

Among bundles of S. P. G. papers in the N. Y. H. S. Library. 

10. Colonial Laws of New York from 1664 to the Revolution. 5 vols. Al- 

bany, 1894. 

11. Documentary History of New York. E. B. O'Callaghan, editor. 4 

vols. Albany, 1850-51. 

12. Documents relative to the Colonial History of the State of New York. 

E. B. O'Callaghan and B. Fernow, editors. 15 vols. Albany, 
1853-1887. 

13. Ecclesiastical records of the State of New York. 6 vols. Albany, 

1901-06. 

14. Files of New York colonial newspapers, as cited: New York Gazette, 

1733, 1750-52, 1753-73; New York Mercury, 1753-1768; New York 
Weekly Post-Boy, 1746-1749. 

15. Fothergill, Gerald. A List of Emigrant Ministers to America. Lon- 

don, 1904. 

16. Hawks Transcripts of manuscripts in various archives of England. Col- 

lected by Rev. F. L. Hawks, 1835. Church Mission House, New York 
City. See especially 2 vols, of New York documents and 1 vol. de- 
signated, "General Conference." 

17. Keith, George and others. Journal of Travels on the Continent of 

North America, London, 1706. Among S. P. G. papers in N. Y. H. 
S. Library. 

18. Manuscript records of the Bray Associates. Minute-books and cor- 

respondence. Archives of the Associates, Tufton St., Westminster, 
London. 

19. Manuscript records of the British Museum. Additional Mss. as cited; 

Sloane Mss. as cited. British Museum, London. 

278 



Bibliography 279 

20. Manuscript records, Archives of Lambeth Palace, London. 

21. Manuscript records, unbound, Archives of Fulham Palace, Fulham, 

London. 

22. Manuscript records of the S. P. C. K. Minute-books. Archives of the 

Society, Northumberland Ave., Charing Cross, London. 

23. Manuscript records of the S. P. G. (1) Journals of Proceedings, vols. 

1-24; (2) Letter-books, series A (copies of originals), vols. 1-26; Letter- 
books, series B (originals), vols. 1-25. Archives of the S. P. G., Tuf- 
ton St., Westminster, London. 

24. Minutes of the Common Council of the City of New York, 1675-1776. 

Herbert L. Osgood and others, editors. New York, 1905. 

25. Minutes of the Vestry of Christ's Church, Rye, 1710-1794. 

26. Minutes of the Vestry of Trinity Church, New York, to 1790. 

27. New York Historical Society collections. Publication fund series. 38 

vols, (to date). New York, 1868-1906. Volumes for 1870, 1896 used. 

28. Perry, William Stevens, D.D. Historical collections relating to the 

American Colonial Church. 4 vols. Hartford, 1870-78. 

29. Pratt, D. J. Annals of public education in the State of New York. 

Albany, 1872. 

Secondary Material 

30. Allen, W. O. B. and McClure, Edmond. Two Hundred Years: The 

History of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1698- 
1898. London, 1898. 

31. Baird, Charles W. History of Rye, Westchester county, New York, 

1660-1870. New York, 1871. 

32. Berrian, William, D. D. An Historical Sketch of Trinity Church. 

New York, 1847. 

33. Bolton, Robert. History of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the 

County of Westchester, 1693-1853. New York, 1855. 

34. Classified Digest of the Records of the S. P. G., 1701-1892. 5th edition. 

London, 1895. 

35. Clews, Elsie. Educational Legislation and Administration of the 

Colonial Governments. New York, 1899. 

36. Disoswat, Gabriel P. The Earliest Churches of New York and its 

Vicinity. New York, 1868. 

37. Dix, Rev. Morgan. History of the Parish of Trinity Church in the 

City of New York. 4 vols. New York, 1898. 

38. Ford, P. L. Journal of Hugh Gaines, Printer. 2 vols. New York, 1902. 

39. Grant, Mrs. A. M. Memoirs of an American Lady. New York, 1846. 

40. Hooper, Joseph. A History of Saint Peter's Church in the City of 

Albany. Albany, 1900. 

41. Humphreys, David. An Historical Account of the S. P. G. London, 

1730. t 

42. Moore, W. H. History of St. George's Church, Hempstead, Long 

Island. New York, 1881. 

43. Onderdonk, Henry, Jr. Antiquities of the Parish Church, Jamaica. 

Jamaica, 1880. 

44. Pascoe, C. F. Two Hundred Years of the S. P. G. An Historical Ac- 

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45. Perry, William Stevens, D.D. The History of the American Epis- 

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46. Smith, Hon. Wm. History of the late Province of New York from its 

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47. Valentine, D. F. History of the City of New York. New York, 1853. 

48. Weber, Samuel Edwin. The Charity-School Movement in Colonial 

Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, 1905. 



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